Volume XX, Number 42 (Issue 994) October 17, 2022
Not Every Superhero Wears a Cape, Mask, and Brightly Colored Tights
This month’s salute to an individual deserving of some much-needed recognition is not a single figure. Rather, it is a whole group of individuals known simply by the sobriquet of single parent. Whether they have worn that title in the past, they are fulfilling that role now, or they are destined to serve in that capacity in the future, the simple reality is these incredible souls manage to accomplish more most days than many of us deem humanly possible. You know the selfless individuals about whom I am talking. It is that relentless mom, dad, grandparent, or similar caregiver who while working forty hours or more a week still succeeds in getting their child fed, dressed, to school, to the doctor when needed, gets them to their extracurricular activity practices, shows up for the games, recitals, and concerts, helps them with homework, puts dinner on the table, and after bathing and tucking them in for the night, still finds time to do the laundry, some housework, shops for groceries, and the list goes on.
Just thinking about such a non-stop schedule exhausts me. It also leaves me in awe. Even a portion of that routine would be beyond my capabilities when I was at my peak. And if the forgoing list is not taxing enough, these superheroes also must squeeze in time to get their car serviced, host a birthday party, shop and decorate for the holidays, and take time for a bit of personal care. (Every single parent reading this is laughing now.) Some of these wunderkinds are also pursuing an education amid all of this. Thus, for most single parents there is scant time for any rest, personal time, or dating.
I have had this sense of endless admiration for this group for a long time. It stems from the single parents I have been privileged to meet and know. So, hats off to every single parent. You are incredible.
P.S. Thanks to my good friend Robert Messer for today’s title.
Soli Deo Gloria
“The LORD is the one who is going ahead of you. He will be with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you. So don’t be afraid or terrified.” Deuteronomy 31:8
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210)260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Web site: www.jkeithhughey.com
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Copyright 2022 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. The entire early library of Monday Morning Musings issues may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are welcome and encouraged.