The Tenacity of a Single Mum
By Kimmie Gill
Hello,my name is Kimmie Gill and I’m 36 this year. I’m a single mum of two - my son is 8 years old and my daughter is 6 years old. I love my little family and the life we have built together,and while some of our experiences were not ideal,I wouldn’t change anything because it makes me appreciate what I have now so much more!
I was 24 when I got married to my ex-husband. We had been dating since secondary school and were each other’s “first love”. We had the full support of our families and for 3 years our lives couldn’t have been more perfect. Unfortunately,when our son was 1,my ex-husband lost his job and turned to other vices like gambling,drinking and verbal abuse. I tried my best to see the good in him but when I found myself pregnant,I knew that I could not continue to expose my children (and myself) to a life like this any longer.
I had been hesitant to tell anyone from my family about what was going on as I knew there was always a stigma associated with divorce,but at that point I knew I could no longer keep it to myself. Words cannot express how relieved I was to hear my parents and in-laws say they would support me no matter what.
At 7 months pregnant with my daughter and with my son at almost 2,I officially filed for divorce. We sold the house and moved back with our respective parents,with my mother really being the pillar of strength I needed in that trying time. Not once did she question my choices or shame me for the decision I made - she showed me what being a mother truly meant. My children on the other hand,bring so much love and joy to me and my parents. My parents-in-law still treat me as their own daughter,and I make it a point to bring my children over to their place at least once a week. If I could be half the parent my parents and in-laws are,I would consider my parenting journey a success!
My kids understand why their dad isn’t very present in their lives,but that doesn’t mean there is any less care,love or support. They are happy,healthy and fun-loving. While this wasn’t the life I envisioned 10-15 years ago,I am still very blessed. If I could overcome these struggles,all you mummies out there can do it too. There is nothing a mother’s love cannot do!”
Kimmie Gill is a single mum of 2 lovely children. She works hard to provide a stable and supportive environment for her children. Despite all that she has been through,she is always smiling and is an inspiration to all those around her. Kimmie is also very private so this is all you are going to learn about her!