Madam, – What a wonderful article by Lara Marlowe about the love and determination shown by President Obama’s single mother (World News, May 7th). It is so rare to read positive stories about the achievements of single parents and the success of their children, although there are many stories to be told.
Some of the determination shown by Obama’s mother Ann Dunham in raising her children on her own was echoed by Dr Brenda Flanagan, US cultural ambassador, who spoke to One Family recently about her struggle to emigrate from Trinidad to the United States, achieve an education, become a writer and raise three children on her own after she left her marriage. The audience of lone parents and others who listened to Brenda were struck by her determination to overcome violence, racism and poverty to rise to her position now as an academic and someone who represents the US government all over the world.
How did she do it? She also got up at 4am every day and focused 15 years of her life on her children and her education.
She told us she benefited from a start in life where she was secure in the love of her mother, something she has been able to pass on to her own children.
What is rarely said about single parents is that they often do have to work twice as hard as other parents. Many do this, achieving fantastic things for themselves and for their children. This work and love needs to continue to be celebrated and supported so that people parenting alone can hope rather than despair. Let’s celebrate those who reach for the stars instead of looking for failure. – Yours, etc,