Still Going It Alone: Mothering with Faith and Finesse When the Children Have Grown

STILL GOING IT ALONE is an ideological book providing direction and guidance to parents as well as narratives of the real-life experiences of many mothers. Inspirational sections at the end of each chapter, titled "Every Mother's Prayer" and "Thought for the Day," offer Christian-based spiritual guidance. Author Michele Howe tackles the many issues related to raising older children and acclimating to the inevitable change of the empty nest, particularly in the case of the single mom. Howe approaches parenthood as a privilege and a multi-faceted responsibility that never ends, and illustrates beautifully the bond between parent and child at any stage of life and the value of family in every mother's legacy. The best thing about this book is that it offers insightful, ethical, sound advice for dealing with a variety of situations in life, and the personal narratives are real-life experiences that each of us can relate to and smile at. I would expect these stories to hold great humor and irony for many moms who have been through similar experiences with their own kids. And for those who have yet to experience them, we can only laugh, try to gain some wisdom and hope for the best. One mother's son, for example, drops out of college after losing his hard-earned scholarship because of simple lack of direction. He takes out student loans that he has yet to pay back, but then decides to abandon all education or job plans and dash off to Europe with his buddies to do who knows what while his friends go to school. One can only imagine the angst of his poor mom as he glides through young adulthood seemingly oblivious to reality. This particular mom chooses to kick him out and make him pay his own way rather than foot the bill for the ridiculous trip while he puts his life on hold. One mom who wishes to teach her adult daughters about the responsibilities and challenges of marriage decides to start a weekly role-playing session with them, where they act out the role of a married couple while splurging on fudge ice cream. Another mom whose daughter was suddenly off to college went to clean out her room and found that she felt empty and saddened by all the seemingly discarded items strewn about haphazardly. However, upon looking more closely at her daughter's various possessions dating from young childhood all the way to adulthood, she gained a larger perspective of a childhood well spent and a job well done, and, with that, peace and fulfillment. This well-written book is unique in that it is based on an ideology of hopefulness and acceptance in the face of adversity, focusing on substance and reason rather than emotional affectation. It is written for a specialized audience, particularly Christian single mothers, and offers a distinctive spiritual background to parental approaches. Howe does an excellent job of exploring many subjects that people don't commonly think about, like caring for an aging parent or how to deal with your in-laws. STILL GOING IT

Finally a book for that large segment of midlife moms who are still parenting but their children are older. Most books address parenting young children, but Michele has hit the mark with a large and growing audience. This is much needed and welcome by us who find these years daunting. Michele writes with a sweet spirit and touches the issues moms face with practical and Biblical advice.

With her signature encouraging attitude, Michele Howe passes on her wisdom from the trenches to Christian single mothers, assisting them to navigate life with faith and finesse after their children have grown. Michele invites us to live our present moments fully while also focusing on the future. She explains that "perfection doesn't exist this side of heaven" and bids us to "redefine our terms and open our eyes and heart in gratitude" to all that life holds for us. She encourages us to continue to invest time in vital family relationships. Creatively utilizing "slice of life" scenarios for single mothers, Michele paints realistic pictures covering many aspects of life. Beginning with the empty nest and progressing to setting goals, preparing for future realities and possibilities which may include aging parents, remarriage, accepting limitations, facing the unknown, and discovering joy amid it all--Michele gives single mothers much to ponder and embrace for true contentment in their vocations as Christian mothers. Michele Howe's spiritual wisdom and attitude are encouraging and contagious! Still Going It Alone: Mothering with Faith and Finesse after the Children Have Grown is a book that you'll want to read and ponder over a cup of tea. You'll be drawn in to its welcoming ambiance and won't be able to put it down! Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, best-selling author of The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home, Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers to Be, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers, Catholic Saints Prayer Book, The Domestic Church: Room by Room: A Mother's Study Guide, and Grace Café: Serving up Recipes for Faithful Mothering

Even though I'm not a single mom, I truly enjoyed Michele Howe's latest book and am strongly recommending it for other mothers of a "certain age" whose children are growing up all too quickly. Michele offers both practical advice for dealing with situations that arise as our kids age and move along to lives of their own, as well as inspiration and motivation. Her prayers and thoughts at the end of every chapter truly ARE for "every mother". From pondering remarriage to accepting aging to accepting changing relationships with our children (and theirs!), Michele's wisdom is offered in a practical, personal and highly readable manner.