Mother's Day 2022 Essay6

Being Someone's Source of Strength

Author： Satojun

I was surprised when a writer interviewing me online for the first time said, “Satojun, you’re such a powerful person.”At the time, I didn’t feel powerful at all.

Becoming a Single Mother by Choice

That fall, when I was 37, I found out I was pregnant. But my partner didn’t want me to have the baby. For the next two months, I struggled with the decision. My parents and friends were all against it. Looking back, I understand—it was because they cared deeply about me and the baby.

The only one who supported my choice was my sister. She said, “Children are the treasures of society.”Those words gave me the courage to become a single mother by choice.

When I gave birth, no family members were with me. But the midwife gave me such kind support that I didn’t feel lonely. More than anything, I felt huge relief to finally meet my precious baby.

Raising my daughter didn’t feel like doing it alone. My family, relatives, and friends all helped in different ways. Thanks to them—and my daughter—I was able to enjoy the start of motherhood.

Returning to Work Eight Months Later

I went back to work when my daughter was eight months old.I was expected to prove that even moms could succeed in sales.

For the next three years, I balanced parenting, work, and housework.I leaned on my relatives, friends, family support services, and babysitters to make it work.

As a single mother, I was also the main provider. I worked very hard to do well in my job.I didn’t think about my health—I just kept pushing forward.

One day, I felt something strange in my chest.I went to a nearby clinic during a break from work.

A week later, I heard the words: “It’s breast cancer.”

My daughter was only three. I cried as I called my sister, saying, “I can’t die now.”She replied firmly, “Don’t underestimate modern medicine.” She reminded me that there are many treatments today and that early detection means I had a good chance.

Treatment, Surgery, and My Daughter’s Support

Thanks to support from family and close friends, I was able to stay positive. I chose a hospital and made a treatment plan. Then I started chemotherapy before surgery.

Those six months of chemo were harder than I imagined—both physically and emotionally. What helped me get through it was my daughter.

She watched over me quietly when I was in pain, gently patted my head, and cheered me up with her smile.

Then came surgery. For the first time, my daughter and I were apart for ten days. She didn’t fully understand what was going on, but I know she missed me a lot.

I still remember the shy smile on her face when she visited me at the hospital. Those ten days reminded us how much we meant to each other.

Discovering Self-Care

After surgery, I was still doing chemo. One day, I saw a friend’s Facebook post about a self-care class by the Single Mothers’ Sisterhood. Because I’d been working from home during the pandemic, and my body was still weak, I signed up right away.

Stretching felt really good. I could feel my blood flowing better. Talking with others in the class helped me forget about work and treatment for a while. I finally had time for myself again.

Near the end of my chemo, I was interviewed about life as a single mother.That’s when the writer told me, “You’re such a powerful person.”

Back then, I wasn’t fully recovered, but I was taking the self-care class regularly. Now I understand—I was slowly getting my strength back.

Getting Back to Myself

When my treatment ended, I felt ready to help others. I joined the first campaign team at the Single Mothers’ Sisterhood. Everyone there was a single mother, each with a different story. Even though our situations were different, we worked together as a team.

We encouraged each other, praised each other, learned together—and rested when we needed to. It was a very special place for me.

Like I had once been, I saw other single mothers getting stronger and finding themselves again. I joined to help others, but in the end, I was the one who felt supported and inspired.

All I could do was talk to people, listen, and share my feelings. And still, I always received strength from everyone around me.

Now, I take care of my body every day. No matter how busy I am, I never skip self-care. On weekends, I run around the park with my daughter and her friends. I’m a “powerful mom” through and through.

I want to keep being someone who helps others. I’ve found what I want to do and the path I should follow. And I’ve come to love myself even more.

If my daughter can see me living strongly and moving forward, that’s enough for me.

Call for Donations
Thank you for reading this essay to the end. The nonprofit organization Single Mothers Sisterhood supports the mental and physical health and empowerment of single mothers. Your generous donations will be carefully used to fund the operation of 'Self-Care Workshops for Single Mothers'. Donations are accepted via the Donate button below.

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