🌺 September Reflections: Appointments, Solo Parenting, Anniversaries, and Unexpected Family Matter 🙏📿🕊
September arrived like a whirlwind—equal parts logistics and life milestones. The month kicked off with a flurry of scheduled doctor’s appointments, not just for me but for my toddler as well. Between pediatric checkups and post-op follow-ups, our calendar felt more like a game of Tetris. Layered into that were Zoom classes I couldn’t afford to miss and therapy sessions that offered a much-needed pause—a space to breathe, reflect, and recalibrate.
The first two weeks of September turned out to be one of the most challenging seasons I’ve faced as a mom. My husband had to leave for back-to-back work trips, which meant it was my very first time doing solo parenting for more than a week straight. I knew it would be tough, but I didn’t realize how much strength, patience, and creativity it would require from me.
The first night set the tone for the challenge ahead—my toddler refused to sleep until 3 a.m. By the time he finally settled down, I only had a few short hours before I had to get up again and figure out his breakfast. Exhaustion hit me quickly, but I didn’t have the luxury of resting. To push through the long days, I relied on my little helpers: matcha lattes and earl grey oat milk tea, just enough to keep my eyes open and my energy steady.
Meal times became another unexpected test. My toddler is not a fan of repetitive meals, so I had to get creative. I alternated between purple rice and noodles to add some variety, and miso soup became my go-to quick fix for lunch. Even though it wasn’t a perfectly balanced menu every day, it was enough to get us through without battles at the dining table.
Looking back, I realize that those days taught me resilience and adaptability in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Solo parenting forced me to manage time differently, find quick solutions, and stretch my patience beyond what I thought possible. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real, and it reminded me that motherhood is not about flawless routines—it’s about showing up with love, even when you’re running on little sleep and lots of tea.
Amid the busyness, one event stood out like a golden thread woven through the chaos: our long-awaited trip to Hawaii. It was our final big getaway of the year, and it held deep significance. We were celebrating ten years together and seven years of marriage—a milestone that deserved more than just a dinner reservation. It was a chance to honor the journey, the growth, the laughter, and even the hard-earned resilience that brought us here. This trip also marked a new chapter in parenting: our toddler’s first five-hour flight. Cue the snacks, sticker books, and silent prayers. It was a challenge, yes—but also a triumph.
By the end of September, an unexpected and urgent family emergency brought me back to the Philippines—for the second time this year. The circumstances were sudden, heavy, and deeply personal. I’ll share more in a separate blog post when I’m ready to write with the depth this moment deserves. For now, I find myself unable to fully articulate what I’m experiencing. The emotions are raw, tangled, and overwhelming.
I never imagined I would close out September like this. It feels as though old wounds and new ones are colliding in my mind—grief layered upon grief, memories resurfacing with a force I wasn’t prepared for. There’s a quiet storm inside me, and I’m still learning how to sit with it.
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