Editor’s note: This column originally published on Jan. 23, 2015.
I grew up in a small three bedroom house in a good neighborhood not far from my elementary school, Thomas Jefferson.
It was quaint and clean, and except for Saturday mornings when I woke up to classic rock and a cleaning, happy mom, it was usually fairly quiet and relaxed. As an only child, we don’t make nearly as much fuss as a house full of kids.
My babysitter lived down the street and I’d walk there after school. I’d do my homework, eat dinner and stay up watching shows like Unsolved Mysteries until my mom came and picked me up after her night shift at the hospital. I’ll never forget that time in my life and knowing we couldn’t spend the evenings together because that was the best option for our family, and that was okay. Each family is different.
I didn’t know it at the time, but growing up in a one-parent household was an unknown blessing. I’ve learned a lot about hard work, independence, endurance, sacrifice and compromise that I wouldn’t of wanted it any different.
When you’re young, you don’t realize how hard your parents work to make your life ordinarily extraordinary. When you grow up with one parent, you further don’t understand the required effort to adequately provide for a one-income family. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but if it wasn’t, she never led on. With maturity, it became apparent that I owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to my mom.
She has given me a strong will, support and a lifetime of memories from the special bond a single parent and their children share.
My favorite memories growing up, like everyone else, are simple — like staying up past my bedtime, ordering from the Pizza House, and watching David Letterman in bed, or a Bond movie on television, or episodes of “Green Acres” on Nick at Nite. Or when we played in the back yard on my little metal swing set; when my mom surprised me on Valentine’s Day with this doll I had been wanting; and each and every vacation, even to the grotto in the middle of summer.
Over the years, I’ve watched my mom admirably advance her career for her own good going from a commuter at Principal Financial to a student in nursing school, and then from different nursing positions to her beloved time as a hospice nurse.
This week, she started a new endeavor working as a health facilities surveyor for the State of Iowa. I couldn’t be any prouder or happier for her than I am today.
It’s important to give credit when credit’s due and my mom deserves a lot.
Her self motivation and strong work ethic has been the most inspirational tool I could have received. I don’t think she knew then that those night shifts would’ve taught me so much about life. I didn’t know either.
Congratulations on your new job, mom. You deserve it. You absolutely deserve it. Good luck adjusting, and training, but I know you don’t need it. You’ve been doing it perfectly your whole life.
Contact Kate Malott at
641-792-3121 ext. 6533
or at kmalott@newtondailynews.com