When I was 3 1/2 (the age my son is now), my mom passed away from cancer. My dad was 28 years old and not only lost his wife, but was now a single parent to a toddler and a 10-month-old baby.
I have the unique experience of being a woman who was raised by a single father. I have a stepmom now (who I love) but my dad waited until my sister and I were grown to get remarried. Being a dad is a big enough responsibility for a family that also has a mom – but taking on both roles is, I’m sure, incredibly difficult. Thank you, Dad, for stepping up and providing a good home for us.
I can’t imagine how much pressure it was to not only grieve the loss of a spouse but be solely responsible for raising two little girls. To be the only person in charge of keeping the house clean, fixing things when they broke, doing the laundry, getting the groceries, making dinner, doing dishes, paying the bills, helping with homework, supporting our extracurricular activities, taking us shopping for clothes, planning family vacations. And he did it well.
Growing up, we didn’t have much… but I was loved, secure, and felt safe with my dad. I knew our family was different but I didn’t feel like I was missing out.
I respected and admired my dad more than anything as a kid. As an adult, I respect and admire him in a whole new way. He bears burdens that I couldn’t handle and he rarely complains. I’m proud to be his daughter and I wish I knew the words to tell him just how much I love him.
Kristen Stewart, Writer 