I became a mom at 22 years old. Thought I was going to marry the love of my life then. Thought I had my life figured out then. Got laid off just as I got pregnant but he seemed to have it all figured out then. I'm 33 now and what I thought was a dream come true, what I thought I wanted my life to be like, was only a lie I continued to tell myself realizing over time, it was for him, not me. I'm about to have an 11 year old, that's 11 years of being a mom, 11 years of worry and concern that may never fade, becomes part of me because isn't that how a mom is supposed to be? But my concerns aren't like most...or so that's how I feel; sensing the judgement of others because she lives with him and not her mother. Yea, it may not seem right, her living with him instead of me, but she's safe, isn't she? What matters most, her happiness or her safety? Shouldn't they both matter equally? You would think that would be a simple yes, but sometimes what makes her happy isn't always safe and what makes her safe doesn't always keep her happy...what an annoying conundrum, right? And I guess that's the ongoing cycle of what my mom guilt is, never being sure what is truly right for her and the decisions I've made for her, hoping she's grateful and an upstanding citizen in the end. Another mom guilt; the lack of communication between her and I. Every other weekend is the only time I see and speak to her, but every time we see each other it's as if no time has passed and she never hesitates to vocalize how much she loves her mommy. So, was it fear of her forgetting me my mom guilt, or is it my fear of judgement by other moms who communicate with their child daily? It could be the latter or it could be both, but I learned that my relationship with her is like no other and although it doesn't fit what's considered "normal" in momhood, I need to remind myself: I became a mom at 22 and within those 10 years I struggled. Now she is in a better environment than she was before, whereas it’s no longer a struggle to maintain my sanity to make ends meet while pretending everything is okay. I no longer need to yell and scream when I’m stressed when it was never her fault to began with, and even if, she doesn’t deserve that part of me. It’s been a little over a year since she’s been under his care. I’ve had my doubts and concerns prior but now that time has passed and have been able to witness her life on the other side, my only struggle is returning back to me. It’s a daily journey, some good days and some bad, but it’s a journey that brings me closer to my self healing.