It took a village: becoming a solo parent taught me the true meaning of friendship
As the pandemic emerged in 2020, Polly Dunbar experienced two seismic events: losing her mother and becoming a parent herself. Here, she thanks the friends who were there for her – and shares how the love and support she felt made her the mother she is today
TL;DR
- The author became a solo mother to her son, Nat, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, leading to extreme isolation.
- Friends provided support through congratulatory gifts, advice via text, and later, socially distanced park meetups.
- When the author's mother passed away, her friends stepped up again, offering practical help like leaving food and providing childcare.
- The consistent support from friends was crucial for the author's emotional well-being and her development as a parent.
- The author reflects on how this period of intense challenge, coupled with her friends' love, built her resilience.