I’m a Single Mom. What’s Your Superpower?

Dear Diary,

When I became a single mother, I became a super hero. I received special powers long before my baby was born. Super strength and super courage enabled me to carry another human being inside my stomach for nine plus months. I don’t recall any comic book characters possessing this amazing ability. After giving birth, I transformed into a more gentle, kindhearted,= and selfless person; all adjectives used to describe Superman at one time or another. Well, I was that way when my hormones weren’t raging! Instead of a cape, I wore a nursing bra. And instead of Superman’s signature forehead curl, I sported a mommytail. I hereby challenge the Man of Steel and his famous friends to a battle: Superheroes vs. Supermoms.

Batman: Batman may combat crime in Gotham City, but he’s no match for single mothers fighting off germs, strangers and other dangers on a daily basis. The Caped Crusader’s sidekick, Robin, runs in the opposite direction when face-to-face with our army of supporters made up of grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Superman: Superman is known for his super strength, however single moms use their mega muscles to stretch a dollar beyond belief. They pay their mortgage, electric, water, cable and grocery bills, and then get back change.  They use their coupon clipping powers to stock their shelves with big bargains.  Superman can see through objects with his X-ray vision, and Supermoms can see through their children when they lie about completing a homework assignment, eating their broccoli or cleaning their rooms.

The Green Lantern: Single moms may not have a ring on their finger like this superhero, but we do have a force field stronger than the Green Lantern’s. Our embrace protects our children from harm.  Our hugs and kisses transfer affection onto our little ones.

The Flash: The fastest man alive moves at a snail’s pace when racing Supermoms.  We cook, clean and carpool at the speed of light, and apply makeup, shower and change clothes in the blink of an eye.  We’ve also been known to swoop in before children fall down, scrape their knees or break bones.

Aquaman: Aquaman can communicate with sea life, but Supermoms can speak an ever more complex language: co-parent-ese. They bite their tongues, manage conflicts and promote peace –all while raising kids under separate roofs. With impenetrable skin like Aquaman’s, an ex’s rude remarks roll off a single mom’s back.

Comic characters should run and hide, because they’re no match against real life Single Supermoms!  Whether you’re a single mom or not, you possess super human abilities.  What’s your superpower?