Legacy

As a parent we are given the job of raising a person from birth to adulthood that will be a productive member of society. A person that will give more to the world than they take from it. We try to raise a well rounded individual that is intelligent, happy, and well adjusted. That is a big responsibility to put on a person. The molding and shaping of another being. It is fraught with perils and risks.... and rewards. It is a challenge that millions of people take on every day. The title of "parent".

If you happen to choose the role of single parent on your own or it is thrust upon you by life's circumstances, then you know what I mean when I say it can be even scarier. You play the role of mother and father a lot of the time. You cater to the whims of your child, their pain, their joy, answer all of their questions. I know that my son is starting to ask me deep questions (well deep for a six year old) and I am having to think up thoughtful yet honest answers that a six year old can understand.

As a parent, if my child is interested in sharks, snakes, spiders and other gross boy things, then I have to be interested as well. I know more about the aforementioned creatures than I ever cared to. Yes, I will sit with him for hours watching documentaries on dinosaurs, snakes, and sharks and pretend that I thoroughly enjoy it. Afterwards, when he has questions on what he viewed, we look the answers up online. I've read the books, taken him to see the exhibits, am even considering getting him a snake as a pet. Why do I do this? Because I'm his mom and that's what I do. It's my job. You never know, I may be raising a future veterinarian or animal scientist.

As a single parent (and here I say parent, not mom, because single fathers have the same duty) I never truly without my child. Even the time that he spends with his dad, I am still a mom. Yes, I do enjoy adult time with him away but he is never far from my thoughts. I worry about him and think about the things that are upcoming that we have to do. I do chores for him: shopping and laundry and other things.

When you take into consideration that everything you do regarding your child, every word you say to them, what you feed them, what you expose them to, the things they overhear or see you do, shape your child.... it's amazing that any intelligent person reproduces.

Safety: Oh my the fears of what can happen to your child... you try your best to protect them and yet let them grow as a person....Why do we even try and take on the responsibility? It can be so overwhelming.... but the sweet reward of a beautiful person who is an extension of you. That is why. Your legacy to the world....