As I sit at my desk on this cold night and my kids all nestled in their beds sound asleep, I think about all that has happened since my last post. I've been very busy to say the least but in all honesty, the last month or so has been very challenging emotionally. I think that all you single parents out there can attest to the emotional challenges that come along with the territory. We all have our emotional ups and downs, but it is our response to adversity which helps us overcome difficult times.
I wish I could say I'm Superman, but I'm not. If I was, things would get done much quicker around my household. How nice would it be to run faster than a speeding bullet? Can you imagine the looks on my kids faces if they saw daddy zipping around the house cleaning it faster than anyone could ever imagine and picking up the family van with his hands while flying them through the air to get from point A to point B? My kids would have a real life action hero to live with! Therefore, they probably wouldn't desire any more action hero toys to play with...awesome! I think Tyler would probably throw away the plastic Superman toy that he's been playing with all week. Well, maybe so? Regardless, I would save time and money.
In all seriousness, I'm just thankful to God for his unconditional love for me and my family. I thank God for his love, grace, and the strength he gives me to press on through hard times. When you're a single parent raising three small children on your own, there are feelings of loneliness that come with it. There isn't another adult in the house anymore that you can confide in or talk to whenever you want. You can somewhat feel like you are on an island alone and late at night when you find yourself talking to yourself, it kind of reminds you of some scenes with Tom Hanks in the movie, "Cast Away". As much as you want to remain positive, you have moments like Tom in that movie. Thankfully, my "Mr. Wilson" is God and I know he listens.
I think it's important to realize that no matter what you are going through in life, somebody always has it worse. This may sound cliche, but it's true and it helps me with my perspective. There are many examples that come to mind of this, but at the forefront of my mind, I think of the two teens that recently died in my town of Fort Mill, SC. They were both killed in separate deadly car accidents only a week apart from each other and they both attended the same high school. The whole town felt the loss of these two aspiring high school students. I can't imagine the pain of losing one of my own kids.
I believe that treasuring the moments you have with your loved ones and friends is pivotal to the success of making every day count. My kids keep me going as they are my life. My favorite part of any day is cuddling with my little ones. Tyler and Madison love to cuddle and give hugs and kisses. CJ is older now and going to turn 7 yrs. old next week, but I remember the times where he used to want to cuddle like his younger siblings. The joys that come from watching them grow and change all the time are a blessing. My kids encourage me all the time with their love and I couldn't ask for anything more. It is what lifts my spirits during difficult times in addition to the encouragement I receive from dear friends.
The kids and I enjoyed Halloween as Tyler dressed up as Buzz Lightyear, CJ as Optimus Prime (transformer), and Madison as a little angel. I took them to the downtown area of Fort Mill the night before Halloween for a trick or treat fall festival and then on Halloween night, we trick or treated in our neighborhood. Needless to say, they made out like bandits on candy. They enjoyed every moment of it as they enacted out their costume characters on both nights. Madison was a natural at being the little angel. She loved her cute little costume and pranced around in it while looking at herself in the mirror. She is all girl and loves playing dress up. Tyler had fun shooting laser from his arms and CJ destroyed all the Decepticons in his path. They were all very cute and I certainly enjoyed watching them have so much fun! Until next time, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
