Solo to Supported: A Trip of a Lifetime
One year into motherhood, and life as a childless single woman seems like a distant memory. I look at vacation pictures from less than ten years ago and see myself smiling in destinations including Hawaii, Spain, Jamaica, and Ghana. Traveling made me happy. I would return home with renewed energy for my daily activities and new dishes to add to my culinary repertoire. Now, a monthly 20-minute trip to get a massage and afterwards shopping at Trader Joe’s gives me the same feeling that traveling did. In addition, when I get home, I look forward to seeing my daughter’s smiling face and ensuring that her needs are met.
Knowing that I have sole responsibility for her wellbeing encourages me to conserve my mental energy. I no longer let minor annoyances such as a getting cut off in traffic or a difference of opinion with a colleague at my job ruin my entire day. My daughter deserves to have a mother who is fully present. Sharing her milestones with friends and family allows me to reflect and stay connected with them.
I am blessed to have a community of friends and family help me thrive as a single mother. A friend and her family hosted my baby shower and my family and friends came from out of town to support me. After my daughter was born, a friend offered to drive me and my daughter home. My mother and stepfather spent three weeks with me to support my first few weeks of motherhood. When I needed to go to the doctor for a follow up visit after my daughter was born, another friend volunteered to watch my daughter. Other friends have checked in with me frequently brought gifts for me and my daughter to show support.
About two weeks ago, I planned to celebrate my daughter’s birthday by dressing her up and taking pictures. I planned to have a party for her when she was two or three years old. I figured by then I would have her around kids her own age that could come to her party. When I told a friend my plans, she informed me that I needed to commemorate this occasion and planned a last-minute party. I invited a few friends and an aunt who lives close by. One friend booked a flight for this occasion. We all enjoyed ourselves during the party and my aunt recorded a video of my daughter’s confused reaction to everyone singing “Happy Birthday”.
Although I don’t travel as much as I used to, I am traveling these parenthood streets with a strong support system. I look forward to taking trips and creating memories with my daughter. I believe observing her enchantment and curiosity during these family trips will give me more enjoyment than my travels as a single woman. Cheers to the phenomenal adventures ahead.
