D'Angelo

I'll always cherish my children, despite the mistakes I've made. I regret the relationships with their fathers, but never my children. Their fathers may have been absent, but I've been present for every moment, every struggle, and every triumph. When my son's mental health struggles intensified, everyone asked about his father's absence, implying that a male presence was the solution. But Jay had male role models in his life since he was three months old - teachers, officers, a principal, and even a psychiatrist. Yet, people still questioned my ability to raise him as a single mom.

I've faced judgment and scrutiny from men who have undercut me in the last couple of weeks. They've doubted my capacity to care for my son, implying that I'm inadequate because I'm a single mother. But they don't know the truth. They don't know that I've been fighting for my son's well-being since day one, that I've sacrificed everything for him, that I've been his rock, his safe haven.

I've known something was wrong since I was pregnant with him; I felt his struggles before he was even born. I had panic attacks and anxiety; which I had never experienced before. I knew he was suffering, even in the womb. And when he was born, his struggles only intensified. He was diagnosed with ADHD, but I knew it was more complex. I've spent years researching, advocating, and fighting for him, and I won't let anyone diminish my efforts.

I'm not keeping my children from anyone who doesn't want to be involved; I'm protecting them from fake love and concern. I'm protecting them from those who only want to criticize and judge, who only want to be involved when it's convenient. I'm protecting them from the toxic relationships that have haunted me for so long.

This blog is my safe space to vent, to express my emotions, to be honest. I'm done answering questions and justifying my parenting. I'm exhausted from being the only one who truly understands him..