The Single Mom's Gift Emporium

by By Laurel Fuqua, RN, MSN, MOM

My staff, who is fabulous, gave me a certificate for a massage as a Christmas gift last year. I was thrilled. It is now Spring and I have yet to use it. I dream about it. I check every once in awhile to be sure it is still tucked away. I even put it on my to do lists. But, I still haven't done it. It's not because I don't want anyone touching my body! Nor is it because of my cellulite and winter white thighs.

If you are a single mom or living in a working mom's world you know why! Right, I just haven't had time. Now others say, "My goodness, it's only 45 minutes to an hour!" But, it's much more than that. For me, it's actually 4 hours and 32 minutes. That includes calling for the appointment, finding a baby sitter, dropping the kids off at the baby sitter, driving to the Spa, getting the massage, taking a shower, getting dressed, driving to pick up the kids, taking the kids to eat, stopping to get gas and then driving home. So, when I think about spending three hours and thirty-two minutes to get one hour of relaxation, I check the expiration date and put it back in the nightstand.

Now, there is a lesson here to be learned for all of us well-meaning supporters, friends, and families of single working moms. The gifts that fit best in a single mom's world are the ones that save her time and I don't mean the food processor type. You've heard the phrase ­ "Gifts that go on giving"? Well, single moms need gifts that help with everyday living. Some of my favorites would be:

• A limo ride to and from work one day (or even a pick-up truck ride)
• A week's worth of healthy, hot, home-cooked dinners delivered to the door each evening
• A maid service
• Free babysitting in my home
• Free babysitting in your home
• Laundry service
• A manicure at work
• A neck/shoulder massage at work
• An endlessly full tank of gas
• One night a week with no responsibilities
• A complete car-detailing job
• Breakfast in bed
• The services of a Laddict
• A bubble bath with no interruptions