There are times and situations when I wished things would be different. It was hard work and emotionally wearing.

However, no matter how tough and heavy it got, I just carried my cross and marched on. I’ve learnt a lot. This state has unleased strengths and powers within me I never knew existed.

Certainly, no woman is an island. There are people who made the passage bearable by being there and urging me on – my mum and sisters are my rock, my babysitter is heaven sent, my neighbours turned into family by loving my children as their own.

People like them make this harsh world a better place to live. I consider myself blessed to be given such wonderful gifts.

Even though some things may not make perfect sense now, eventually they will fall into place. I guess my journey has just started.

Countless people have and will travel this path and I know I’m not alone in this. I’m grateful for the courageous women who share their experiences fearlessly. Our experiences and stories may not be the same but we stood and dealt with our situation head on. You inspire me.

People ask me all the time how I did it alone with two kids at the same time. People ask me how much I spend on diapers and formulas. People ask me how it is my babies are blooming each day. People ask me if I have enough sleep at night. People ask me how I cope with my CPA accounting studies.

The endless questions continue. I’ll sum up my answers by looking at Dominica’s year.

She cried countless tears behind closed doors, concealed under the blanket in her bedroom or in the bathroom.  Through the tears came soft whispers of prayer for the strength to endure whatever life launched her way. To her, the tears were the visible display of an inner turmoil which no human could see but God alone knew and understood.

She mulled over things. She wondered how she’d get through.  Not all days were smooth.  Fatigue and pain permeated her body. She was mentally drained. But she endured it all without complaint, regret or fear. She knew she had to stay positive and upbeat. To her, there was no such thing as giving up.

She suffered humiliation. The negative taunts from naysayers never ceased. She couldn’t do it alone, they said. People made fun of her circumstances.  People look down on her like she had done something appallingly immoral.

To her, these were mere words, no matter how excruciating. The words, negative behaviour and prejudice could not break her determined spirit. She’d prove them wrong. 

At times, when she felt like she couldn’t make it through another day, she looked at the innocent little human beings and got back on her feet. Sometimes, she had to forgo her own needs and wants.  To her, her children were all that mattered – her heartbeats.

She had faith in herself when no one else did. Her heart was kind and tender but brave as a lion. No one and nothing could rip off a brave smile.  She’d go the extra exhausted mile to make ends meet. She stood firmly on her two feet. To her, it was about challenge and survival.

Everything she did was done meticulously. She managed to keep the balls in the air. With flair. To her, multi-tasking was a way of life.

The hidden sacrifices were worth it. The result was tangible in the smiles, laughter and success of her children.  She was blissfully happy and content. To her, it was a magical feeling to do the impossible when people say otherwise

I’m amazed at how she did it.

To all the single parents – I raise my glass to you. You all have my respect and admiration. We have little human beings looking up at us as heroes and heroines. I guess we are. So never give up.