Thread by @woodra

Something happened tonight that I want to talk about. I’ve kept it to myself but now I see I’m not the only one. (A thread.)

In September, my husband uttered the words, “I’m done.” and I suddenly found myself a single parent.

I quickly realized that I can’t raise my daughter alone and need to be near a community of friends and support.

I decided we’re moving to Boston in the spring.

Because of our #HealthCare nightmare, finances have always been tight. In order to have money to move, I had to find a way to work without childcare.

I started driving for Uber Eats 2 months ago.

On evenings I work, Charlie rides along as I hustle carry out orders to customers.

I try to make it fun like we are playing the Amazing Race. But, I feel horrible that she has to do it.

I feel like a shitty parent as I juggle a sleeping child in 1 arm and a carry out order in another while I run in and out of restaurants in the evening.

I remind myself that it’s only for a few months. Still, it sucks.

I work around the clock (drive for InstaCart too) and still worry about making enough.

It’s hard on my body and my chronic illness flares often.

I don’t know what will happen if my car breaks down before we move

I assumed it was just me. I thought I was an anomaly in a strange tough spot without a lot of options.

I figured I just needed to suck it up and do it. Push through this to hopefully provide stability and a supportive friend circle for Charlie in the future.

Tonight, Charlie fell asleep early and I used a gift card to order delivery for dinner.

When I stepped outside to receive my order, I saw the driver was a mom with a child riding along.

I’m not the only one. And, that is horrifying.

I don’t know what the answer is. But, we need to do better. All of this is not OK.