Unsung Heroes: Celebrating the Impact of Stay-at-Home and Single Mothers

As Women's History Month comes to an end, I want to honor the women who have influenced my life. One of them is not a celebrity and may end up anonymous in history, but she is a hero to me. Her name is Subha, and she is in her mid-60s. She had a happy childhood in a small town, but unfortunately, she fell into a ten-foot ditch and broke her femur. She missed out on school, but her father, a teacher, taught her classes at her bedside and encouraged her education. Despite their financial struggles, she became a top student and wanted to study English literature. However, her father asked her to continue her education in Sanskrit because it was free. At 16, she got married and was encouraged by her husband to become a college teacher in Sanskrit. She completed her education and had three children, but tragically, she lost her husband to a heart attack. She faced societal taboos and struggles as a young widow raising her children, even while dealing with major health issues that required several surgeries. Despite all these challenges, she raised successful children who settled in the US. She planned to retire and pursue her passion for Sanskrit by translating books into the Telugu language, but she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Plus a month before her retirement. Doctors gave her only 18 months to live, but she has surpassed their prediction, although she is now bedridden and can no longer read or communicate clearly. However, on her good days, she listens to Indian epics and shares her experiences.

Subha, my mother showed an intention by understanding her strengths, values, and limitations while deciding her goals in life. She showed conviction by staying committed to her goals and beliefs even in challenging situations. I found a ruthless leader in her while prioritizing the unreasonable demands of three children. I was amazed at her resilience to adapt to ever-changing adverse circumstances. Her life is an inspiration to me, and I turn to it when I encounter tough situations in life, like the current layoff.

My mother is not unique or alone. She represents the millions of women who contribute to child growth. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), in India, 80% of women in rural areas and 25% of women in urban areas are primarily engaged in household activities. This number would be substantially high if we include working women who are primary caregivers to children. Surprisingly, these numbers are not different in an advanced country like the USA. According to the United States Census Bureau's 2019 American Community Survey, there were approximately 10.4 million single mothers in the United States, which represents about 80% of all single-parent households. These women do not get great year-end ratings, bonuses, pay rises, or social media posts for their contributions. They remain anonymous in history.

In my opinion, these women are changing the world, one family at a time. Let us honor and support them not only during Women's History Month but every day.