Enduring Hardships by Jennifer Maggio

 Posted by Jennifer on January 18, 2012  General  No Responses »
Jan 182012
 

I perused the endless array of photos available on search engines this morning in hopes of finding an appropriate picture to compliment the title of today’s article, but I failed.  You see, hardships come in many forms.  I could put a picture of a homeless mother with her young son on the side of the street, but many of you could never truly relate to her single parenting experience.  I could put a picture of a father weeping at his dead spouse’s graveside, but others wouldn’t understand.  I could put a picture of a well-dressed single mother in a business suit on her way to her next business meeting, as she phones her two teens at home to check in on their homework progress.  And still yet, some couldn’t relate.  No matter what your situation, you have most assuredly dealt with some hardships in your single parenting journey.

2011 was a phenomenal year for me in so many ways and I shared some of those in a previous post.  (See http://www.singleparentstown.com/blog/2011/12/28/jennifer/2011-year-end-review-by-jennifer-maggio/).  But in other ways, it was one of the most difficult years our family has endured.  The hardships, MANY TIMES, seemed insurmountable. 

To give you just a glimpse…..my son broke his foot playing basketball and was unable to enjoy the spot he had earned to the national high school basketball tournaments. It may not seem like much, but he underwent physical therapy for months.  Shortly thereafter, my teen daughter sustained a volleyball injury and had to undergo major hip surgery, also ending her athletic participation for months — not to mention the medical and hospital bills that mounted.  And honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of medical bills totaling more than we have ever paid in years’ past, the woes of parenting teens, relationship difficulties, ministry hardships, and more. Continue reading »

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From Where You Are – I Miss You

 Posted by Michele on January 17, 2012  General  No Responses »
Jan 172012
 

Loss of a loved one is prejudice to no one and to lose someone we love is something that everyone will face at some point in this journey. Today like so many days before I was reminded of how short life is and that every day brings the pain and sadness of loss to someone in the world. While I did not know Samantha Channels personally I was honored to have connected with her through the halls of Facebook and to witness a woman that shined her light on so many with her courage, strength, spirit, inspiration and drive to make a difference until the very end. Even though I had never met her I was deeply saddened at her passing and my heart ached today for her husband, her children, her family and her friends.

Her life was cut far too short and yet I could not help but think about the legacy she has left behind and how many lives she touched. Today I was once again reminded of how precious each and every day we are given is and I once again could not help but think about all of the people I have lost over the years. Today, my heart goes out to everyone that has lost someone they loved – to all of the husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, co-workers and anyone that somehow touched our lives.

It is true that time does heal but life is never the same when we lose someone special and while life goes on it is impossible to forget just how important they once were. At the end of the day, those we loved and those we lost are forever missed and regardless of how much time drifts by there will be times when that familiar tug at the heart appears and you would give anything to see them once more. With that being said, I also know that life keeps moving and as difficult as the loss of a loved one is, the human spirit to survive is amazing. I have witnessed strength and resilience in my own children after losing their dad and unfortunately, I know so many other kids who have lost a parent far too young. Continue reading »

Focus on Their Strengths

 Posted by Guest on January 15, 2012  General  No Responses »
Jan 152012
 

By PeggySue Wells, Single Parents Town Guest Blog.

“If you look for the bad in people expecting to find it, you surely will.”
- Abraham Lincoln

In the kitchen, I stirred cocoa while my second born practiced piano. “Mama,” she called from the living room. “Was Bach a nice man?” I sprinkled cinnamon. “From what I’ve read, I believe he was.” “Good,” she said. “Then he won’t mind that I’m fixing his music.”

Each of my seven children learns differently. Each has unique interests. Four so far have graduated high school, college, and gone on to careers. Our home has been more of an art studio, a safe place to discover and nurture their potential.

As their strengths became robust, their weaker areas naturally improved. The key was to focus on their abilities. Concentrating on weaknesses proved frustrating for me, and a negative experience for my children. In the middle of the three older girls, Leilani was sandwiched between two outspoken siblings. A verbal processor myself, I realized this quietly artistic child needed another way to communicate. A method that meshed with her natural strong points. I phoned the only person I knew that played piano. Continue reading »

Encourage When Discouraged.

 Posted by Michael on January 13, 2012  General  2 Responses »
Jan 132012
 

Every parent has said it at one point or another, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. Seems like over the last few months, my mouth would be taped shut if I were to follow that mantra. Recently, I have faced several challenges and it has been difficult to keep a smile on my face at times. Problem is, these challenges will indirectly affect my children if I let them.

As single parents, we often have a bit more on our plate than the average parent. It’s easy to become stressed out and discouraged by our situations. We often find ourselves becoming more negative and focusing on the things our child hasn’t done right, rather than what they have done well.  Doing so will only discourage our children and potentially lead to more frustrating behavior.

My kids probably get tired of me saying it, but I often tell them to focus on building one another up rather than bringing each other down. I’m not always good at leading by example, especially when faced with challenges of my own. It’s a fault I acknowledge and I make a significant effort to change when possible. Continue reading »

Are YOU Crisis-Oriented?

 Posted by Davis on January 11, 2012  General  No Responses »
Jan 112012
 

Do you know anyone who sees life this way?

The glass is half empty.

Nothing is ever good enough.

People are out to get them.

Bad things are only happening to them. Continue reading »

Are You Ready for a Single Mom Get-Away? by Jennifer Maggio

 Posted by Jennifer on January 11, 2012  General  3 Responses »
Jan 112012
 

Wouldn’t you absolutely love to take some time to yourself to enjoy relaxing by the pool, soaking up some sun, and chatting with girlfriends?  Who wouldn’t?

Carnival Cruise Lines and Expedia Travel have partnered to bring you the 2012 Mexican Single Moms’ Cruise!  Join us for a 5-day cruise in August 2012, departing from New Orleans, that is all about you — the single mom.  Enjoy free room service, pool, water slide, evening shows, free single parent workshops, guest speakers, music, and so much more…..as you get away for a few days to work on you!

I am honored to have been chosen as one of the guest speakers for the cruise, along with award-winning singer, Jennifer Nasto, and single parent experts and authors, Dana Chisholm and PeggySue Wells.  Continue reading »

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What Do The Denver Bronco’s and Single Parents Have In Common? Everything!!

 Posted by Bill on January 9, 2012  General  No Responses »
Jan 092012
 

As I sat at home yesterday and watched the Denver Broncos, and Tim Tebow, pull out another miraculous victory I couldn’t help but to think how much the Broncos and being a single parent have in common. Now all you Pittsburgh fans may not agree with me here but let me explain.

As the Broncos began their season, no one really gave them much of a chance at being successful. They didn’t have the talent, they didn’t have the skills, and they didn’t have a chance. Well as the season began to unfold the so called experts seemed to be right as the Broncos started off with a record of 1-4. But then something very interesting happened. They made a change in how they approached the season. They named a relatively inexperienced young Tim Tebow as their new starting quarterback. The so called experts jumped all over him. He didn’t have any experience in the NFL, he didn’t have the skills to succeed at this level, and he was nothing more than a good guy, with good intentions, in a bad situation. So much for the experts…

As the season continued Tim Tebow and the Broncos began to win, they began to believe and they began to succeed. The so called experts said it was just luck and that there was no way it would continue, they were sure to implode in no time, and for a few games they were correct. The Broncos lost three games in a row and everyone said “See I told you so.” Then something happened that no one thought was possible, they got into the playoffs. Again the so called experts, as well as the odds makers said, “There is no way they will beat Pittsburg” they are lucky to be where they are, they are huge underdogs. Well anyone who watched the game knows now that the Broncos did win the game, and Tebow performed like an All Pro quarterback. Continue reading »

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