She messaged us last night through Facebook…
“I got married young and spent 11 years in an abusive marriage. 2 years ago I found the courage to leave and not go back. About 6 months after I left, my 11 year old daughter watched in horror as her father tried to run me down in the parking lot of my work. Since this time I have been struggling financially to support myself and my daughter. I recently paid off some debts, which freed up some money that will allow me to return to school next term, but left me nothing to spend on Christmas. My daughter, who just turned 13 yesterday is very understanding of this as well as supportive of me returning to school, however she did voice concern that we won’t be able to spend much time together as I plan on working full time while I am in school.
This promise is my Christmas gift to her, inside the box are 26 dated cards (2 a month, with 2 bonus cards for mini vacations) each card promises an exclusive mommy/daughter day. There are baking days, mani-pedi days, Ice skating, coasting, trips to the museum and zoo, movie dates and make a Pinterest craft days.”
Been there. Done that. As a single parent. I went into debt for $27,000 and paid back over $60,000 due to interest. I was involved in every single team that my son was on. I was either the coach, the manager or the team parent. I picked up the slack that you left behind. (Big sob here.) Don’t get me started on the abuse thing. I wet and soiled myself for years.
But hey, because I said I would…I got my masters. I doubt this will be posted.
I wish I could hug you, or sit and talk to you and tell you what an awesome job you have done. You are not alone, although the abuse I escaped left me less physically damaged than you. Congratulations on achieving so much, and setting such a great example for your children
I hope that you have wonderful, calm days ahead. God bless!
this honestly broke my heart a little bit. i’m going to make one of these with my mum! as a 17year old, we dont do much stuff together and this is really inspirational. god bless x
The greatest gift is one you already gave your daughter: being a model of strength and determination to make the right choice for yourself. Surround yourselves with love and good people. Best wishes for 2014!
wow! you have shown your daughter the meaning of the word “love”. Best wishes in school!
Best of luck to you, and have fun with your daughter.
Very inspirational, it made me realize that we can accomplish many things, and that I as a mother should also try to make more time with my little girls!! I congratulate you for your courage and for wanting the best for you and your daughter, Thank you for sharing this with us!!
I am in my final semester of my Master’s program. I have internship 3 days a week, which involves a 3-5 hour commute on those days, and class three other days….Plus research, papers, exams….and very little time to do anything extra. This has inspired me to not worry about a 4.0, but to step out of my “comfort zone” of high achievement, and into making some of these cards for my 16 and 17 year old children…+my 3 grown children, 2 daughters-in-law and 8.5 month old grand daughter. Thank you for providing ME with the example to balance life in the hectic-ness. Blessings to you and your daughter!!!!!
This is really amazing. I’m so glad you found the courage and strength to take care of yourself. You daughter will cherish these memories forever.
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Well written!