Thank you for this powerful essay. My two children (now adults) are the best things in my life, which is also full of fulfilling work, wonderful friends, and community leadership. I had my children at 36 and 41. My husband died suddenly when I was 43, and our family thrived because "it takes a village" was possible in our neighborhood. Privilege and social support made our life possible. I am very glad that I had a long and fun single adulthood so that when I unexpectedly became a single parent I did not regret the parent part of my identity. My maturity, my ability to make a living, and social supports made all the difference.
Thank you for this powerful essay. My two children (now adults) are the best things in my life, which is also full of fulfilling work, wonderful friends, and community leadership. I had my children at 36 and 41. My husband died suddenly when I was 43, and our family thrived because "it takes a village" was possible in our neighborhood. Privilege and social support made our life possible. I am very glad that I had a long and fun single adulthood so that when I unexpectedly became a single parent I did not regret the parent part of my identity. My maturity, my ability to make a living, and social supports made all the difference.