It Was Meant

Being a single parent with the way of the world right now is so hard and honestly a bit lonely at times. I aid myself with online shopping. I mean, it's a discrete way I can wallow in my feelings and emotions. Since COVID began online shopping has been a must. Groceries, the latest kicks and celebratory gifts to loved ones, the sky's the limit really. The single chime of the doorbell always put so much joy in my heart . Today I hadn't been expecting anything, I was quite stunned to see the unmarked brown package when I was headed to put the trash cans out on the curb. The package was nestled on the porch between my potted cactus and creepy gnome. I thought to myself, "what in the world did I purchase from Wizard Wishes?" Wizard Wishes was an online thrift shop I frequently shopped from. As I was inspecting the neatly wrapped packaged I noticed a black pickup truck parked adjacent to my very own vehicle. Feeling a bit uneasy, I took the package inside and made sure to lock all the locks on the front door. I decided to record myself opening this package, in case it was laced with anthrax or maybe ticking bomb. I have always been an over-thinker, so naturally my mind was racing on what could of possibly been in the box. Propping my phone on the counter, just inches away from myself and the package, I hesitantly opened the box. I moved the tissue paper away and the first thing I see is postcard on top of wadded paper. This card was decorated with so many colors but no pictures. I turned it over to read it.

"Dear Michelle, I see you're having an upsetting day and are in need of a friend. There are so many things that can go wrong in a day of living alone as a single parent. You're doing a great job at it though. Waking up at 5 A.M to be able to pray, watch something spiritual and motivational. Cook dinner for the day along with your daughter's breakfast and lunch for school, take your puppy outside,get yourself ready for work then to clean than your house all before you have to wake and dress your daughter for school. I see you making it to the gym and spending more time in your writing and self-care. I see you going to work, train the new guys, get stepped on by the big bosses and still put your customers first and kill the game all while being tired and underpaid. You keep calm and hold your tongue, most days and that speaks volumes for someone that was on the debate team all through college. You help everyone around you with all of your might and at the end of the day spend quality time with your child. when you aren't working on Sundays, you work on your inner peace. You're are a modern-day Superwoman. Keep up the great work and remember that your goals are just as important as the next person."

Under the postcard was a 3-wick candle, a pack of matches a honeybun and $50 bucks. Tears ran down my face. You see, in life we get busy. We rip and run all week without noticing that we haven't taken any time to ourselves. We pour so much into our responsibilities we forget to refill our cup that's filling everyone else's. I too am guilty of doing this. To keep my "cup" filled I came up with an idea to package a care-box. This was designed to remind me of how much I do and also to take the rest of the day to myself. I open these strategically placed packages to myself when I'm feeling overwhelmed and forget that I'm becoming the best version of myself. I'ts a great way to spoil oneself . The only issue was I hadn't placed a box on the porch. Maybe one of the few friends I had mentioned my having a rough time, left it for me. Either way, I appreciate the reminder.I didn't want to spend too much time thinking about details. Take it from me, stealing moments in your week to thank yourself is one of the best things you can do. If I'm honest, most people forget to show appreciation. To make things better, my emotions, being as authentic and deep as they were, was caught on video. I was able to upload this and send a message across the internet. I'm creating a blog where I can chat with other single parents.