Every year, when Mother’s Day rolls around, I find myself in a whirlwind. I’m picking up cards for my own mom, texting friends who are amazing mothers, scrolling through gift ideas for my sisters, aunts, cousins — all the incredible women who pour their hearts into motherhood. I’m so wrapped up in honoring everyone else that I forget one very important person.
Me.
This year was no different. I was up early making calls, getting gifts together, scurrying to church, helping my kid create a little craft for Nana — the works. By the time the day started to wind down, I sat down, exhausted, and it hit me like a quiet whisper:
I didn’t do anything for myself.
As a single mom, most days feel like a marathon. There’s no tag team partner to take over when I’m tired, no one handing me flowers just because. And yet, I still show up every day. I wipe tears, make lunches, do homework checks, give hugs, and tell bedtime stories. I love fiercely, work hard, and somehow find a way to keep everything running around me. That deserves celebration too.
So next year, I’m doing it differently. I’ll still celebrate the women around me — but I’ll take out some time to honor myself. Maybe it’s a quiet morning with some hot apple cider and no interruptions. Maybe it’s a gift I buy for myself. Maybe it’ll be simply saying out loud, “You’re doing a great job.”
To all the single moms who forget to pause and celebrate yourselves — I see you. I am you. Let’s remember that we don’t just deserve recognition from others, we deserve it from ourselves too.
Happy (belated) Mother’s Day… to me.
And maybe to you, too.
XOXO,
Casey
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