I am Jayden's Mom

Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Rebecca and I'm raising my son, Jayden essentially on my own. There are many single parents, but sometimes it seems as though people are in disbelief that I could have a child without the help of a husband. To these people I say, GET OUT OF THE DARK AGES! The non traditional family is quickly becoming tradtional. Embrace it.

I'm not single as far as having a significant other in my life, but I'm single by virtue of being unmarried. Even if I WAS married, my significant other works an hour away from where I work, so it's not like I can ask him to pick Jayden up from day care when I can't.

Adding to the unconventional dynamic of my family is the fact that Jayden is disabled. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two. He is non ambulatory and non verbal. Despite his physical limitations, Jayden has the strongest, sweetest spirit imaginable. No one can encounter Jayden and not smile, because his smile is contagious. His laugh is infectious. And he laughs at nearly EVERYTHING.

Aside from being a parent, I'm a Soldier. Not a street Soldier, but an enlisted member of the United States Army. I love the military and I'm proud of what I do. I love my son and I'm proud to be is mother. Sometimes having more than one love in your life can be difficult, but sometimes life in general can be difficult. As a Soldier I "adapt and overcome." As a parent I try my hardest provide the best life I can for Jayden.

I can only hope that being a Soldier makes me a better parent, that being a parent makes me a better Soldier, and that both make me a better person.