Welcome Lithia

Hello everyone!

My name is Lithia. I am a twenty-three-year-old single mom to my sweet, independent two-year-old, Wesley. I am currently enrolled at Linn-Benton Community College, working toward my associate’s degree in Human Development and Family Services (with a long-term goal of earning a bachelor’s degree).

Motherhood Was Not the Plan

I found out I was pregnant three weeks into my first college term. I was twenty, and not making great choices at the time. Seeing those pink lines felt like someone physically popped my lungs. I didn’t have a stable support system.

The situation was as far from ideal as I ever hope to be again.

As a single mom, things have been hard.

I would love for you to read my introduction and think that nothing has ever fazed me. Something along the lines of: “I have always been put together, dedicated to my mothering role, and resilient.”

But if I wrote that, I would be a liar, and my momma didn’t raise a liar so that I won’t type that out. Instead, I will say: I have been all done at points. But I didn’t quit. And that’s what matters.

Context Matters

There’s a piece of the story that adds context: I’m a double-above-knee amputee due to complications of surviving a mental health crisis.

Because of this, I roll through motherhood (pun intended) in a wheelchair 100% of the time, and my son Wesley just rolls right around on my lap.

I am the oldest of six, so naturally, I am a bit too independent for my own good. But I suppose all that duty and reliability that got ingrained somewhere along the way evens it all out.

I Thought Becoming a Mom Meant Losing Myself

There was fear when I found out I was going to be a mom… okay, there were many. But the one fear that remained supreme throughout my pregnancy was this:

I thought my life was ending.

After having my baby, I thought I would simply be a mom and absolutely nothing else for the rest of my life. Of course, I cannot deny that my life, as I had known it, changed.

Look, I love me a good schedule for my son, but I also enjoy seeing him laugh when we’re wandering our neighborhood looking for snails at 8 pm (an hour past bedtime).

The train of life I had been on up until then didn’t derail; it simply changed tracks and added a new car.

Who I Am These Days?

These days, I try to live with balance in mind. I read children’s literature, yet I can also communicate clearly on a range of advocacy topics. I enjoy dot art, but I can also sit and binge a good podcast. I am a dedicated mom.

But I am also me.

 The Reality of It

Being a mom, being a student, and living with a chronic mental illness is not easy. I have cried in advisors’ offices and asked instructors whether I should keep pushing or withdraw.

But worst of all: I have looked myself in the mirror and wondered: Can I do this?

Fortunately for me, I seem to have this annoying habit of getting back up every time I decide I’m done, so I always end up picking myself up and (oh, what are the kids saying these days? Oh, yes) I SLAY!

So That’s Me

I am excited to be here, sharing stories, struggles, and resources in the hope that you find solidarity on whatever stretch of track you’re currently traveling.

Have a fabulous day, or night (if you’re a night owl like me), and remember, if you’re doing your best, you’re doing enough.