Tag Archives: loneliness

The Measure of Success

I was talking to a dear friend of mine late last night. We both were expressing our frustration with the men, or lack thereof, in our lives. We both have had such a strong desire to find a good man to share our lives with and have tried our best to live worthy of such a man; a man who would love and support us, who would be a good father and husband. I realized before long that we had both equated our success in life to whether or not we would ever marry. We both had such an intense … Continue reading →

Singles Appreciation Day

Most of the year I don’t mind being single, in fact, there are a lot of things I like about it. I like having time to myself, I like being able to make decisions on my own, and most of all I really like the one-on-one time I get with my son because of it. However, being alone on the holidays can get lonely, especially on ones like today that are so focused on a love that isn’t in your life anymore. While everyone else is getting spoiled with candle lit dinners, you’re at home alone or taking care of … Continue reading →

Finding Where You Fit In

Since being divorced I feel like I am in a constant state of limbo. Most of my good friends are married now, while others are continuing to enjoy the single life. I am no longer married, but my single life is far different from that of my friends. There are times when I envy both parties. I long for the companionship and support that marriage could bring, and I envy those single friends who can do what they want when they want without a care in the world. I am a mother first, and as such, my priority is to … Continue reading →

A Little Company

About a month before my parents got divorced our family got a puppy. We adored him and he quickly became part of the family. We still recall many stories about him running into doors and forgetting which leg to put up when he was marking his territory. He had a sweet little personality and always knew when something was wrong. He was able to provide comfort during that particularly difficult time during the divorce and many times thereafter. We have many fond memories of him and miss him a lot. At first he went with us during visitation, but before … Continue reading →

Surviving Holiday Parties as a Single Parent

As a single parent this time of year can be filled with bittersweet emotions. Family and friends are gathering together to celebrate the holidays. While this is an exciting time of year, it can be hard for a single parent to attend such gatherings when they are attending on their own. It can be isolating at times to be in a room full of people with families and children running around when yours aren’t there. Not only are your children gone, but you don’t have that special someone by your side to help you endure it. You can be in … Continue reading →

Lucky as the Tin Man

  We’ve all seen the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz. The cowardly lion is desperate for courage, the scarecrow is in need of a brain, and our dear friend the tin man wants nothing more than heart to fill his empty chest. After my divorce I would have given anything to be the tin man. My heart was aching. I was feeling such an intense pain I would have done anything to make it stop. Nothing brought relief. I wasn’t ready to be divorced. I wasn’t ready to be on my own again, but I had no choice … Continue reading →

Prelude To An Empty Nest

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Friday. For so long it was my favorite day. Friday meant I got to spend two full, uninterrupted days with my family. Since my divorce, Friday has become something else entirely. Every other Friday morning I kiss my daughter good bye, knowing that her father will pick her up before I get off work and it will be two long days before I see her again. I try to drag the work day out. Searching for unfinished projects that need my immediate attention. Anything to make the work day as long as possible and delay going home to an empty … Continue reading →

Bullying Leads to a Suicide Pact

Suicide is such a devastating way to go. Recently two 8th grade girls (who were also best friends), Haylee Fentress and Paige Moravetz, made a suicide pact. The reason? They were being ostracized and bullied by others. Both girls left behind a note for their families. Bullying continues to be a huge problem today. Although bullying has always existed, it seems to have reached new levels…in some part, no thanks to technology. There are some who believe that bullying is just a part of childhood and that those who are victims need to somehow suck it up and deal with … Continue reading →

Why the Taboo about Suicide?

A recent suicide by one of the neighbors in my street has resulted in some typical behaviors by people when they find out that someone has taken their life. I have spoken previously about the anger many people feel towards the person who has committed suicide, as well as the common consensus that the person is selfish for committing such an act. For the full list of articles on suicide and its ramifications, see the link at the end of this article. The stigma of suicide goes back a long way, which probably explains why no-one likes to talk about … Continue reading →

Another Suicide, Another Pain-filled Life Ended

Yesterday I was woken by a flurry of activity at dawn in our normally quiet street. Police cars, ambulances, forensics teams and finally, the giveaway, the funeral directors van said it all. Another suicide. Sadly, the person involved had not long lived in the neighborhood and resided in one of the few sets of units which are beginning to dot the area. Because of the isolation of the unit, she did not mix with others and so no-one knew here. Plus the now almost redundant practice of welcoming a newcomer into the neighborhood with a cake, a card or drinks … Continue reading →