A Proud Mother

I am a proud mother that has been blessed with four wonderful, unique children. They are all different in their own way; two have blonde hair, one has red hair, and one has brown, curly hair. Two children are Caucasian, one is one-quarter Black, and one is one-quarter Mexican. But they all do have something in common, they are all from different fathers and they are all mine. When I tell people I have four children, one of the first questions is how old they are. Unfortunately, it is usually followed up with, “Are they all from the same father?” So I tell them that they are not and usually that uncomfortable silence follows that answer. A lot of times I feel the need to explain myself and how this all came about because I know that I am being judged in that particular moment. I believe I am a strong woman, although you may see an easy girl. I believe I am a independent woman, although you may see me as promiscuous. I believe my children are all brothers and sisters, although you may see them as half brother and sister. Yes, they all live with me and they are all raised by me. Yes all of their fathers are not involved but one. Yes, I love all my children equally, and yes, they love each other the same as any other brother or sister would. So, why all the ridicule? Why all the questions? Why judge a woman for loving her independence and children so much? I don’t feel shameful and I carry any guilt. I am a proud mother that has been blessed with four wonderful, unique children.