Salute to Single Moms

Yesterday was Mother's Day.  It was a good day.  I talked with my mom and enjoyed the outdoors with my boyos.  We had a special outing the day before to the art museum which had a temporary exhibit on Egypt.  Mummies!  Perfect for a mother's day outing with 3 boys, don't you think? 

But later in the day I got to thinking about my hubby who has been absent from us for the past week.  He's in Africa doing some work with his dad.  They are repairing the roof on a girl's dormitory and possibly other repairs, too.  I'm sure it's been quite an experience so far and will continue to provide some incredible memories for Hubby and his dad.  But this post isn't about him.  It's a selfish one, about me.  And our boys.  We miss him.  We've never been apart from him for this long.  And we still have a week and a half to go.  And on this mother's day, I couldn't help but think about mother's who are constantly without their counterpart, maybe because of death or divorce.  My heart goes out to them.

How do they do it?  How do they provide the constant attention that kids need?  How do they stay strong in the constant role of disciplinarian?  How do they continually break up needless fights without joining the fight themselves?  How do they answer the constant questions day after day?  How do they make decisions without thier spouse's input?

Here are the things I miss saying because my Hubs isn't around:

"Go ask your dad."

"After the kitchen is clean, I am DONE for the night."

"Ask your dad when he gets home."

"Talk with your dad about that."

"Can you put them to bed tonight?"

"I will send your dad up to say goodnight when he gets home."

"What did your dad say?"

"Dad might know the answer to that one."

"Do I need to get your father?!"

I raise my glass, and several prayers, to all of you single mom's out there!  God bless you.