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A story of Thanksgiving - Tracy's Story

        This Thanksgiving as many people did, I reflected on how many blessings I have in my life.  However, as pleasant as that sounds I did not always feel that way.  Roughly a year and a half into my college experience I lost my father to cancer.  It was at that point I decided life was too precious to live it unhappy. Approximately a year later, I filed for a divorce from my husband.  Scared but determined, I knew I had to set a good example for my two boys.  I continued to work my full time job, part time job, and take full time credit hours in school.  Although many times I felt overwhelmed and discouraged, I continued to press forward staying focused on what I envisioned life could be like for me and my children.

        My children experienced first hand that life maybe difficult, but hard work and dedication can move mountains.  As I walked across the stage at graduation in 2008, above the entire crowd I could hear my two boys yell, “That’s my mom!”.  After the ceremony my 17-year-old son gave me the biggest heartfelt hug and whispered, “I am so proud of you mom.”  Not only had I set a good example, I suddenly became a role model to my children who walked around telling everyone that their mom just graduated from college!

        What would a program like SMILE have meant to me?  It would have been so comforting to have the ability to speak to other women who were going through my situation or women who had already accomplished what I was striving to accomplish myself.  Sometimes when life knocks an individual down, a kind word or smile can change her entire outlook on the endless possibilities that are actually within her reach!

        Becoming an active part of SMILE has made me realize that I am not alone; there are single mothers everywhere facing challenges daily. SMILE has provided the avenue for me to not only volunteer my time to a wonderful cause, but also given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people and develop new friendships along the way.  Please do not be mistaken,  I am a single mother who still feels overwhelmed at times; however, I know that I can take that overwhelmed feeling and turn it into something positive through SMILE.

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