This mother’s day, I am sharing you my wonderful life as a flight attendant single mother.
“Ok lang syo na lagi mo iniiwan mga anak mo?”
I usually get this question from people I’m newly acquainted with or passengers who looked for a little chat when they can’t sleep during a long haul flight. I think they’ve thought that it’s harder for me to always leave my children especially after knowing that I’m a single mother of three. They’re right. It was such a struggle when they were small and it’s more challenging now that they’re all teenagers.
Due to unfortunate events, I lost my husband 8 years ago but I’ve been a sole provider longer than that. I’ve been breaking my back ever since to make ends meet. I’ve been juggling the roles of being a provider, nurturer, tutor, disciplinarian and a friend to my kids. The hardest part is when I have to be with my sick child (sometimes children) and miss a flight duty or two.
The hardest part is when I have to be with my sick child (sometimes children) and miss a flight duty or two.
It will surely make things tighter for the weeks ahead but I am a mother first. I consider money as one of the easiest problem I could have. I will always choose my kids no matter what.
Growing up
When they were growing up, I was able to make them understand what my job requires from me so I can earn our living. That I am the only one who can do it for us. God blessed me with children who are wiser beyond their years and I am thankful that I’ve never experienced those episodes where they cry their lungs out, begging me not to leave them. They will just ask me when am I coming back, give me kisses, hug me tight and wish me a safe flight before I leave. It has always been like that. Is it easy for me to leave for a layover flight because of that? Still, no.
Every time before I fly, my guilt is eating me up. Why should I stay in a job where I have to leave them all the time? Can’t I find a way to stay with them while earning the same income? Do I love my job more than my kids? I often have these thoughts while driving to work. I would cry sometimes, and I even thought of myself as a bad mother especially on those times when I fail to be there for them when I have to. While I’m away in some beautiful place, I’ve left my children when they need me even if they don’t say it. I could choose to fly turnaround flights instead but it’s not economical for us because we live outside the Metro. It’s never easy for me to leave my kids.
Surrendering everything to my faith
Even during those times when I’ve finally manage to create a system on how to be an efficient mom and a provider at the same time, the challenges keeps coming in. And now that they’re already teenagers, the more that they need my guidance. I have to be aware on how they’re shaping up. It’s a struggle. I cried through it so many times. Every prayer I say to keep them safe while I’m gone is my way to relieve my anxiety. I have to surrender everything to my faith.
Being a flight attendant single mother is never easy but it’s so rewarding.
My faith… That, my family’s support, our flexible work schedule and the ever adapting communication technology are the ones that I am most grateful for. Blessings that made things easier for me to mange my life as a flying single mom. | always look forward to those long days off with my kids. We would spend them on beach camps, lake camps, chasing waterfalls or flying to a local destination where they haven’t been yet. Recently, I was able to fly them to the US and we had a grand time!! I want to experience everything with them and my job as a flight attendant can make that happen. All of this is what makes it worth it.
Single motherhood is never easy but it’s so rewarding. I may have to leave my kids every now and then but the bonding moments that I get to have with them afterwards are priceless. I’m a super mom to my children. For now, that’s enough for me.
About Post Author
