Introduction

I am a 34-year old mother of two and as you've already figured out....I'm single.  Well, bascially single.  My husband and I have been separated for 2 1/2 years.  Legally, we are married; however, we live in different cities and we live very different lives.

He lives the fast-paced, big-city life.  I live in a much smaller, much slower town. When it comes to alcohol, I abstain, he indulges.  If he decides to go out for lunch or run an errand, he does so.  I can go, but I have to get two girls dressed, grab a snack and drink for them if we are going to be out a while, and leave the house remembering to put on shoes...and on a good day I will choose a matching set.  Lunch out for Daddy Dearest means a neighborhood bar and grill where "everybody knows your name."  A day out for him might mean a Braves game or a day of golf with the guys.  I, on the otherhand, will opt for a kid-friendly restaurant and places that having shopping carts or are accessible with a double-stroller.  Usually the outing will be early afternoon so as not to interupt bath and bedtime rituals. 

My day starts at 5:00 a.m. and usually does not end before 10:00 p.m.  (Of course, that could be later if I want to do something fun, like read a book, blog or check out facebook!) I work a full-time job and at the moment I have a temporary part-time job.  So, I have to admit there are times when I want to scream, "What makes you so special that you can live without any responsibiltiy while I have given my life to the upbringing of our daughters?" or "What gives you the right to take the time to 'find yourself' while I have to deny myself daily for the betterment of the children?"

Fortunately, before I get too deep in self-pity, the Lord reminds me that I am actually the lucky one.  I have the privilege of seeing those two smiling faces every morning.   The sounds of their laughter fill the rooms of my apartment.  I am the one who can kiss their boo-boos and wipe their tears.  I have the absolute pleasure of tucking them in their beds every  night.  Their bedtime prayers bring a refreshing and light-heartedness that helps me complete the tasks that only begin once they are asleep.  It is wonderful that I get to see the little things that melt your heart--their innocence, sincerity, and purity.  I am the one who is blessed.  I am the one who gets to be Mommy!

Tonight, my 3 year-old said to me, "Mommy, we sure do miss you when we are at school."  What could be greater than that?

"Children are a gift from the Lord;  they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3