Life of a Single Mom in the 60's
By - Pink
Being a single divorcee in the 60's was not easy. Society disproved of that, woman weren't supposed to be strong in independent. They were supposed to need a man to make it in life – that was their purpose. My Mom was not only a divorcee but was strong enough to leave an abusive relationship. A woman was supposed to stick it out, make it work. It was a big no-no to leave. My father used to beat my mother, did that so much she had a nervous breakdown. My Aunt and Uncle P offered to adopt me and she would then become my aunt, she turn them down an did it all herself.
She then had to be strong enough to be both Mom & Dad. She not only left him she went on to college. Four different ones, business and art. That woman could 'doodle' on scraps of paper what many would consider works of art. I still have a lot of them. It amazes and impresses me the skill she has. I feel had she been given the chance she could have ended up in an art gallery.
I recall there were times we ate macaroni and ketchup. It was hard but she never gave up. Always made sure one way or another I got something for my birthday and Christmas. Wasn't big or fancy, I cherished each and every one. They were given in love.
While in college she was on the school newspaper and yearbook staff. They would hold meetings in our mobile home. So there was always activity going on. One of the nosy neighbors who just could stop snooping got upset when a young black man stopped by, he was selling magazines, probably to raise money to help with tuition. When my Mom went to pay her rent the next month the manager said we had to move. Just like that, we had to relocate. We usually got a single bedroom, I shared a bed with my Mom. I used to sleep with my foot in her hand, don't know why but that comforted me. As I grew older, I’d scoot up so my foot would reach.
She had many different jobs as I grew up, all to take care of us. She had 3 jobs one time. I stayed with my grandparents a lot at that time. I was proud of my Mom, I always felt loved. My Aunt talked my Mom into moving up to Alaska. It was common for me to come home; cook supper; do my chores and homework. When my Mom came home I'd take off her shoes and rub her feet for her after long day. When I was ten years old my Mom met this young guy, only eight years older than I was. A year later they were married, on my birthday no less.
In Alaska my Mom ended up working for Alaska Fish and Game Services. She was supervisor to seven accountants in seven areas throughout Alaska. One year when they reviewed her books they discovered she was off by just a few pennies. I was so proud of my Mom. It was a cool place to work I thought as a kid. Huge stuffed Salmon, Moose and various other critters on the walls.
My Mom and Step Dad have been married over thirty-five years. I have a half-sister who I love and adore as well. I could go on and on about this amazing woman who against the odds and society's opinions made it and taught her daughters to NEVER GIVE UP! I am the most proud daughter in the universe and thank her for helping me become the Mom I am today. Love you MOM!!