Every third Sunday of June is usually celebrated as Father’s Day – and why not? Dads are not only a blessing but also a very important part of a child’s upbringing – hence we need to appreciate and celebrate them. Father’s Day is a perfect time to honour fathers and celebrate the role they play in their kids’ lives. But not every child out there has had that. There are some who probably aren’t blessed enough – or maybe blessed more than usual. Having your dad around in your growing up years is needed, and for those who haven’t – there were mothers who stepped into the shoes of fathers to compensate for the kids. Mothers who have woken up early to pack tiffins, then worked long hours, come back home to cook meals and finish homework – basically, mothers who have fought the world and circumstances like soldiers to bring their kids up.
Today, celebrating the spirit of Father’s Day, we went into the homes of some single moms to understand them and their journeys better. Here are some overwhelming stories of supermoms who have raised their children singlehandedly and perfectly played the dual part of the father and the mother. These heart-warming stories are beliefs that a mother can indeed be a father as well and fill in the vacuum in their child’s life flawlessly!
Text: Anahita Ahuja
Mum: Taruna Singh, Fashion consultant and Yoga instructor (mother of Disha and Sonam Singh)
The journey so far…
It is extremely challenging to strike the right balance of being a mother and a father, but the key to win over this situation is to accept the situation and move on. Half your battle is won by accepting the situation and the rest becomes smoother and enjoyable.
How did you push through the bad days?
I hear the subconscious voice telling me, “this too shall pass.” So each day is a new day and no day is the same. So far so good.
Where did you draw your strength from?
I drew great strength from my parents looking at their positive outlook in all situations. It strengthened me from within and beyond all this is the supreme power protecting me and my family giving me that strength.
According to you, how much have you succeeded as a parent?
My children are good human beings. They are independent, humble, with a strong sense of empathy imbibed in them. This makes me happy.
“She dealt with endless tantrums and drama from us with a smile. Not once did she hold a grudge, abandon us, or make us feel like we weren’t good enough.” – Sonam
Child: Sonam Singh, Party Planner
Do you think you could have been as strong as your mum?
Honestly, no. Her willingness to fight keeping her children in mind has been remarkable.
If you were in her place, would you have brought yourself up any differently?
If I was in her place, I don’t think I would have the courage to do half the things she did.
What is that one thing you admire about her?
Her honest compassion towards us. She has been the most honest and the most amazing mother. She has always been so supportive of every decision we take, and never let us compromise on our dreams. Also, all her life she has only asked us to respect everyone regardless whatever has happened, and to be honest human beings.
What kind of a relationship do you guys share?
Have you watched Gilmore Girls? She is my Lorelai Gilmore. She is my best friend, my confidant and my partner in crime. Of course because she is my mother by the end of the day, if I take a decision I am not proud of, I am terrified of her.
