Single Parents, I Tip My Hat to You

I am sitting in the bathroom with the shower running and air vent running while having a cup of coffee. I am seeking just one hot minute of peace and quiet. But my moment is short-lived. The natives have found me and need more bubbles to clean the dogs.

I am, temporarily, a single parent.

I save our dogs from the natives and explain bubbles are just for humans. Into the closet I go. Hot coffee and my shoes. Peace at last. But again, my moment is short-lived. That natives have answered the phone and want to know what our credit card number is. We have won a vacation.

I am, temporarily, a single parent.

I decline the once-in-a-lifetime vacation and explain to the natives that it was just a joke. Down into the laundry room I take my lukewarm coffee. As the coffee touches my lips, I hear the stampede of one find me. Moment lost. “I just went to the bathroom”, my youngest explains. ”Can you wipe me to make sure I am clean?”

I am, temporarily, a single parent.

I am a single parent for just under two weeks. It’s just a spec in the grand scheme of time, but after only eight days as a single parent, I am spent.

To all of the single parents out there, I tip my hat to you. I commend you for your dedication, your resilience and your unending commitment to all that is presented to you on a daily basis. I am in awe of you.

I take my cold coffee and pick up the phone and dial a number that never fails me. "Hi Mommy. It’s me..."