Reference to the story The plight of a single mother, The New Times, January 8, 2015

Editor,

After my wedding in 2005, little did I know that months later, I would learn about another family my husband maintained on the side and our marriage would crumble. By the time of our wedding, I was eight months pregnant and I gave birth before I found out about his other family.

When my son was five months old, that’s when I found out. I was bitter and asked him to leave and never come back. Many people didn’t understand my decision but I wasn’t going to stay with a cheating husband. Being a single mother is not easy at all, it can certainly be the worst experience any woman can go through, however I learnt a few things that I would like to share.

I learnt not to be sorry but grateful. This may sound odd but considering how many women get miscarriages, fail to give birth or have lost a child; I consider myself blessed. Secondly, I learnt that not all families are the same. Families go through different things but the worst thing any single parent can do to their child is make them compare their life with other families. Last but not least, don’t justify your actions to all and sundry.

People might blame you for jumping the boat, but they don’t know how many times you fought against that idea. And then, I learnt to be money-wise. I budget grocery delivery, monthly housecleaning, a babysitter, and others. At least, I don’t regret anything and I hope it is the same for some single mothers out there.

Janice K