Single Mom Seeking Single Mom

I’d love to meet another mom in my same situation.  Someone with which to commiserate and someone who understands this crazy life!  I have this beautiful scenario in my mind of me and another mom sharing a glass of wine or a cup of coffee while the kids play happily.  I don’t think it’s a complete fairytale.

I’ve done a little research.  I’ve looked into some MeetUp groups.  These were mostly activities for single parents and I was surprised that there were a lot of guys who joined these groups.  It made it seem more like a singles group than a group for parents looking to vent and bond.  Although I’m not religious in a traditional sense, I also looked into single parent groups at churches.  Not much luck here, but I did discover that even some of the more liberal churches in my area seem to view single parenting as an unfortunate hardship.  Here is an excerpt from a local church group’s web-site….

“The Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) provides emotional support and resources as you bravely try to be the best parent you can be. We can't change the legal system, but we can provide role models of parents who have survived being a single parent. We can't give you the financial support you need and deserve, but we can help you balance your checkbook and help you see beyond your last $5.00. We can't take away your suffering, but we can walk that path with you and give you support when the struggle wears you down. Come to SPAN and meet other single parents who are on the same journey as you. The fellowship lets you know that you are not alone. “

Are they serious?  “We can’t take away your suffering”?  The same church has fun activities for married couples of all ages, retired people and young singles, but they assume that a single parent can’t balance a checkbook?  Of course I can see the irony here.  My last post was about living paycheck to paycheck and maybe I was a little dramatic; however, I’d like to be given a little more credit.  I also think that it’s really great that this church is providing some fellowship to these “suffering” parents – I do!  I just wish that they weren’t making a blanket assumption that all single parents are down-on-their luck and hanging on by a thread.  It’s hard friggin’ work!  But, I’m also a busy professional and a person who enjoys having fun with other adults and with my kiddos.

I know she’s out there!  My single mom sister is waiting somewhere with a moderately priced bottle of Pinot Grigio.  I think she must be looking for me too J