Mom to PRMommy Dreena, son Ander + Grandma to Gabe
Name: Mildreen Thomas Age: 56 years old
I was born in Columbus, GA, raised in Harlem, NYC, and currently reside in Linden, NJ. PRMommy: What were the positive and not-so-positive moments of single motherhood? MT: The most negative moment of single motherhood for me was the realization that my children didn’t have a father figure in their lives. Positive moments definitely included watching them (my children) grow and develop into their own, ultimately becoming the people they are today.
PRM: How did you manage your single mother title with work/business? MT: I was constantly moving to ensure they were able to do everything they wanted to do as far as extracurricular activities. My mother would always remind me that I needed to be still.
PRM: Who or what inspires you and why? MT: My mom and my kids inspire me a lot. My mom inspired me because she was a very strong and smart single mother. No matter what, she was always there for me, and I never went without. I never had to ask for anything; she made sure I was well taken care of.
My children inspire me because I look at them and I look at how blessed they are to have one another and to do things I was unable to do (being that I was an only child).
They [my children] encouraged me when I was down and out, and now that my mother is no longer here, they are like my best friends. They always check on me, especially my baby girl [Dreena.] They have always kept me going since they were born. PRM: Who’s a mom that you admire? And why? MT: That’s hard a question because there are a lot of mothers I admire. Some have been through the same things I have gone through and many of these women have given me advice in different situations. There are many mothers out there who have been there for me in that respect. I look up to them all.
PRM: What quote do you live by? MT: There are more than one. Starting with Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” and the Serenity Prayer. The Serenity Prayer is a favorite of mine, my favorite line is as follows: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
PRM: What advice would you give to other single mothers and/or new mothers like Dreena? MT: I would tell new and single mothers this: Be supportive and don’t be afraid to take advice from other mothers.Be the best mom you can be, and most importantly, don’t forget to tell your children you love them and that they can be anything they put their minds to.
PRM: As a new grandmother, what impact do you want to make on your grandkids?
MT: I especially want them to know that I am here for them and I love them with all my heart. I just want the best for them!