THE SINGLE MOTHER MENACE

My name is Ashley Ace (not real name) and I'm a single mother of two beautiful girls'.  I said as I introduced myself at the event I graced with my presence.

I noticed the 'WOW' look they all had on their faces and I could take a quick journey through their minds and imagine the thoughts in there.  'How can she be so proud to introduce herself as a single mother', 'isn't she ashamed', 'see the way she's dressed, no wonder she's a single mother', ' it must have been her fault', 'she looks wayward'.....etc.

I snapped out quickly from the journey of their thoughts and focused on my reason for being there. 

I've always had this look when I have to introduce myself and I always do it with so much pride and grace. 

Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm not happy my marriage didn't work out or I have to go through life alone. 

But I'm proud of myself and my journey.  

The idea of stigmatization needs to stop.  Some people left their marriages to wear this 'single mother cape' because they are fighters, warriors and goal getters. They got tired of being abused, decided to heal and take a new shot at life. 

Leaving a marriage especially after spending years with children involved can be painful.  I describe it this way, "tearing apart something that has been glued together for 10 years".  A part of the other glued part will get lost in the process no matter how careful you are in pulling them apart. 

Not everyone leaves their marriage to be on the streets.  Some leave to fulfill their dreams, live again and right the wrongs they made by getting into the marriage in the first place.

Whatever the reason is, please be strong, you can make it, you can do it.  Yes!!! You can.  But while on the journey of becoming you, keep your heads up high, keep fighting, never stop winning and be proud.