The Comforting Mum

So here we are…

Last night, my youngest wouldn’t sleep unless she was cuddled right up underneath me. And because of that, I was up nearly every hour from 2am to 7am. My eyes felt like they were burning, and my body was so achy it felt like I hadn’t rested at all. But despite the exhaustion, the day had to begin — as most school mornings do — with chaos.

One child refuses to get out of bed, while the other insists she can’t move until her sister does. I rush through breakfast, lunches, school uniforms, socks that seem to vanish in thin air, and missing hair brushes. All the while, I’m fighting off that all-too-familiar wave of hormonal overwhelm. Because today also marks day one of my cycle — and for me, that means cramping so painful I can’t stand straight, unpredictable tears, and emotional exhaustion I can’t even begin to put into words.

And the worst part? There’s no pause button. No “sick days” when you’re a single mother. No one to tag in and say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” I couldn’t ask anyone to take my eldest to school or watch my youngest so I could lie down, even for a moment. So I did what I always do. I got up. I pushed through the pain. I made sure they were cared for — because no matter how ill, weak, or drained I feel, the world keeps spinning and I still have to show up for them.

And the resentment creeps in. Because the truth is, I didn’t get a choice. Their schedule is my schedule, regardless of how I’m feeling. But their father? He got to choose himself. He gets to come in and out on his terms, never burdened with the weight of showing up while sick, or hurting, or exhausted. And it stings — because I’m here, always here, every single day — even when my body is screaming for rest.

✨ Reflection:

Today reminded me just how much we carry in silence. How many invisible battles we fight before breakfast. Being a mother while sick is one of the hardest parts of this journey — because it demands that we keep giving, even when our cups are empty. But I see myself. I see the strength it took to get through today, and I honour that.

If you’re a single mum reading this — I know what it’s like to power through while your body and heart are both crying out for a break. You’re not weak. You’re not failing. You are incredible for showing up, even when it hurts.

Have you ever had to push through a tough day while feeling completely unwell? What helped you get through it — or what do you wish someone had done for you?
Share your experience in the comments — I’d love to hear how you’re navigating it too. We’re stronger when we share the weight of our stories.

🌸 Affirmation:

“Even on my weakest days, I am still strong. I deserve rest, I deserve grace, and I honour the quiet resilience that carries me forward.”

You’ve got this, Mama — even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Signed,

The Comforting Mum 🤎