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Single Parenting

I made it to church today, the second week in a row, with all 3 girls. Why is this news worthy? Because Matt is gone. I am manning this vessel single handedly. Most of the time it is smooth sailing, but I am ready for the relief crew.

I often hear from friends "wow, I don't know how you do it"! Some days I don't have a clue how we make it, but we do. It isn't really like I have a choice, I have yet to find the address to send in my resignation letter. I never wanted to be a single parent, and yet for many days a month, I am just that.

At what point do you say "Honey, you know that job, the one that pays all our bills and that your really good at and absolutely LOVE? Yeah, its just not working for me." Matt has been traveling the last 5 years of our marriage. It is getting old, very old. I don't know what to say when Addilyn is laying on the floor, sobbing because she wants her daddy. I want him too.

Matt really has no clue what my life looks like, and to be fair, I don't have a clue what his looks like either. We live in very different worlds when he travels. I am trying to keep everyone in clean clothes, fed several times a day and wondering when I can sneak in a shower. He is working long days, eating at yummy places while trying to network with the right people and coming back to a spotless room with a bed that isn't his.

I signed up for the life of motherhood. I chose to not pursue my career but to raise my family. I knew it wasn't the easy choice I just didn't think I would be doing it alone so often.

Comments

Denise said…
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12

Love you, dear sweet daughter-in-law! Praying for you!
11 January, 2010 08:28
Kari said…
I am so impressed by you Gretch! I had 8 hours of being a "single parent" to your girls and WOW...it is tough stuff. What a difference an extra set of arms make or another voice of reason to hold down the fort.

The Lord gave YOU a very special gift of being an incredible Mother...and just like most things He gives us, it doesn't come without some sweat, tears, heart, and faith. :-) xoxo
11 January, 2010 09:01
Jennifer McHam said…
Oh friend - I sympathize with you about being a single parent but I can't relate to how often you have to do it or how much more effort goes into THREE instead of just two. I will continue to pray for peace, strength, and perseverance for you and less travel for Matt. Love you friend,
Jen
11 January, 2010 11:55
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