Chronicles of an Inspired Single Mom

Hey there beautiful people! It has been a while since I graced this platform. So much has transpired and as I’m writing this blog in my mind I’m truly pondering whether to just go to sleep (because its been a day!), write this piece tomorrow or even write at all. But I push on. First of all thanks to all of you faithful readers and those who regularly nudge me to ask when I would be posting again. Here I am, back and ready to chit chat with you. So let’s look at this series as season two of my blog.😎

September is basically finished and for some parents its been a month since their children have been back in mainstream education (nurseries, primary, secondary, tertiary and University). Some parents are battling once again with online school, some happy at the prospects of their children going back into the physical classrooms and most school activities resuming despite the ongoing covid situation. This time has proven bitter sweet for many.

For me I was excited about my children going back to school. September meant new beginnings. Since I’ve now completed my degree, it meant bye bye to my stay-at-home mom and student title and hello career. It also meant my lil baby starting “big school”. I spent the latter of August shopping for school uniforms, ironing, sewing in tags/labeling school items, reading memos sent by my children’s schools and downloading apps that the schools utilize for communication, rewards, payments and the like.

Fast forward to the beginning of school. My daughter was chilled, she warned me the night before she started school not to be extra and so I tucked my tears and emotions in my back pocket as I watched her walk confidently through the door to begin Year 9😢! I still remember her first day at Primary as I hovered by the window of her classroom, stayed for the school’s assembly while she was whispering “mommy leave I’m ok!’ I wasn’t ready to let her go. My son was super excited to start Reception. After getting him dressed he said “mommy just get a rag wipe your parts, pull some clothes on quickly and let’s go. I don’t want you to make me late for school!” He ran most of the way to school. Bless him, I don’t think I was ever that excited to go to school.

Man that morning when I dropped off my son, I felt like I could do a back flip, I peered through his class window to see him sit and settle in his new environment then I moon walked away and glided up the hill. I am freeeeeeee I thought. I watched as some other mothers hovered around the class and as partners consoled each other with hugs and wiping away tears. It was easy for me to let go because I have spent the last five years pouring into him and watching him grow, seeing all of his firsts and conquering his little fears and anxieties. So I see this as his time to fly.

My freedom has been short lived. I thought I was gonna be home relaxing, reading and preparing for my new job but since my son has started school he has been in and out with a nasty cold (that despite my best efforts with home remedies and western medicine, still plagues him) as well as suffering a busted lip and bruised face and knee from a fall at school.🤦‍♀️Listen sigh, when I tell you I’m tired….my tiredness is tired.

This weekend both babas are sick and even though I feel a little unwell, I chug on drinking different freshly brewed herbal teas and downing vitamins and orange juice because mama has to stay afloat so that she can take care of the little ones and ensure they are fit for school.

This month was suppose to be exciting, making lunches and breakfasts, checking homework and preparing uniforms, sharing funny stories and pictures of the children’s experiences of school. Instead I’ve been cleaning vomit, wiping running nose, and bloody lips, shouting at the tip of my lungs “stop wasting time you gonna be late” and reading or listening to nightmare stories of some of my past colleagues as they teach their students online.

Expectation vs reality…

It can be hard dealing with what is thrown your way as a parent on a daily basis, especially when its far from what you expected or planned. It ain’t always gonna be sunshine and roses; but as you go through your storms, as you are settling into your new normal, stop and catch a breath, look at your current situation from a different angle and with a heart of gratitude. Take it easy and keep the faith. This is all a part of it. Your expectation may never match your reality but be present in the moment and just try to be your best self for these babies.

How is your settling in going? Are you feeling overwhelmed, tired or frustrated. Maybe everything is going great thus far for you and your little ones. Whichever state defines you I wish you all the best and may you find the strength each day to show up and be your best self to guide your little one(s) through. Until next time Besos😘