It was never my big dream to be a single parent. In fact, parenting on my own was perhaps one of my greatest fears. I could not fathom that I would be capable enough – that I had enough kindness, warmth, patience, resilience, emotional bandwidth, or physical strength to raise and care for someone on my own.

But I do. 

So much, in fact, that some days, I am startled by my life. By the brilliant sound of my daughter’s laugher, by the fulfillment that comes from sharing one new experience with her, by how many friends we run into at the park, by the depth of my exhaustion, by my continuous ability to figure “it” out, by the ease I feel navigating New York City with a stroller, by the confidence that has grown from nothing into something quite substantial.

No, this was never my big dream, but what a dream it is.  

To all the solo, single, independent moms out there – I see you and I celebrate you, for who you are and for all you do. Because you are doing it all. Emotionally, physically, literally. When it feels harder than you’d ever admit, when you’re moved to tears by the beauty of it all, when you cannot recognize your own fearlessness, capacity, resilience, courage and heart. When the support isnt there, when the money isnt there, when the rest isnt there, you persist. I know how it feels. I know what it takes. And I know that you deserve recognition and acknowledgement that you’ll never fully get. So, if no one else says this to you, let me:

Happy 2nd Mother’s Day.

May you be recognized not only for everything you do but for everything you are – mom, dad, and so much more.