I’m a divorced mother of two.
I take care of my children all on my own.
It’s been 3 years since the divorce,
and I haven’t received any help in raising the children.
I stop myself from breaking down for their sake.
Getting out of bed every day,
Making breakfast for the children,
Chasing after the school bus,
While seemingly simple and trivial chores are actually quite terrific feats!
I then run back home to steal an hour alone at home.
I enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the radio while things are nice and quiet, before running to make it on time for work.

The second I get to work, I’m swamped with tasks.
I pray to God to help me through to the end.
I have no choice but to keep it together.
I fake a smile as I greet clients.
I power through small tasks until the day ends.
I start my daily journey to my father’s.
That’s my first stop after work.
The kids and I have dinner there.
Then I take them back home
And feel a brief sense of accomplishment and peace.
I change into beautiful pajamas I’d picked out carefully in advance.
I spray on a little of my favorite vanilla perfume.
I rest in bed and steal a few more moments to read a book.
Another long day has gone by, and I need to sleep in preparation for another daily journey.