Staying strong as a single mum

KOTA KINABALU: Despite marking Mothers Day without the presence of a spouse or even their children, these women remain resilient about life.

Single mother Siti Nurshafiqah Abdullah, 36, said she had been caring for her three children after separating from her husband in 2012.

“There were issues that could not be resolved and I had to move on quickly because I knew I had to be strong, mentally and physically, for my children,” she said.

The supermarket cashier said whenever she felt hopeless or depressed, she would think of her two daughters, aged 11 and 13, and 10-year-old son.

“They are my reasons to live, and to do my best in life,” Siti said, adding that she was lucky to have support from her family and friends all these years.

As for her former husband, she said he still had a part in her children’s lives as she wanted them to feel that they had a “complete family”.

“He sometimes helps with the expenses, so I am thankful for that,” she said.

Super mum: Siti has been caring for her three children after separating from her husband in 2012.

Siti is active in numerous confidence-boosting and self-development events.

For those who are going through a rough patch in their lives, she urged them to think positive and to put their children’s welfare first at all times.

“This Mothers Day, I hope we all realise how worthy we are and how we should never let anyone tell us what we can or cannot achieve,” she said.

In a different case, a 30-year-old woman who had to give up her child to the father, as she could not be with him nor care for the child, every Mothers Day is a reminder to her.

“There have been so many instances when I wished I could turn back time and make a different decision. But when I see my daughter being with such a loving family, I know what I did was the best for her,” said the woman, who only wants to be known as Ann.

Ten years ago, she broke off with her boyfriend after finding out that he is married.

“I did not want to be a homewrecker so I ended the relationship. But a few months later, I found out that I was pregnant,” said Ann.

After her daughter was born, she decided to give her to the father, who was in better shape to care for a child.

“His wife has no idea the baby is his. But she loves children and promised to care for my daughter as her own,” she said.-Star