OUR SINGLE MOTHER OF THE YEAR. R.I.P MS MARIE MCKNIGHT.....
Celebrity Single Mother of the Year 2009: Ms Marie McKnight
November 23, 1933 - August 29, 2007 (Photo courtesy Traci Campbell)
Traci Sanders Campbell is the host of "Heroes at Home" Radio, an internet radio show that focuses on Single parents, moms and dads and all the good things that they do in their families. She recently interviewed me in April on how I juggle three careers as a
Pharmacist, Journalist and a Publicist. She told me that she was a married woman who was raised by a
single mom and she wanted it be known that single moms do a lot!....And don't we? Everyone has their story. I asked her to write a short story of how she viewed her late mom and when I received it, I decided to make her mom
Ms. Marie McKnight the Single Mom of the Year 2009.
Traci's story begins.....
"My story begins with my mother. She was a typical single, poor working mother. She struggled, worked 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet, and lived to make sure I had every advantage that she did not have. Then, her health took a turn for the worst when she was in her early 50’s. She was forced to stop working by her mid 50’s and collect disability pay. This was devastating as her whole identity was tied to her ability to work, take care of herself and me. At age 18, I became the head of household. I attended college and worked full-time to provide for the two of us."
"While her health continued to fail, she still had a strong spirit and she provided wise counsel to me daily. I traveled as an IT consultant for years, but I eventually stopped traveling so that I could care for her. My mother lived her entire life just surviving and providing a better life for me. However, at the same time, she never accomplished any of her personal dreams. She took her first plane ride at the age of 69. She never finished her education. She survived on an eighth grade education as she was forced to leave school to care for 2 ailing parents when she was a young girl in rural South Carolina. In short, she never realized her own dreams and ambitions. She resigned to being the best mother and provider she could be based on her limited resources and innate survival skills. Finally, in August 2007, my mother passed away after 13 years of battling congestive heart failure. She died without achieving any of the goals she had in life. She was 73."
"My mother’s story is the motivation behind "Heroes at Home" radio as well as my involvement (and serving as co-founder) of the Women Identity Purpose non-profit organization. There are so many single parents that have been able to create full lives by realizing their own potential despite the demands of single parenthood. We need to share these accomplishments to inspire, encourage, and inform other single parents. I also created a website dedicated to helping BOTH single mothers and single dads called www.single-parent-heroes.com . Each week, you can listen to my podcast where I interview exceptional single mothers and single dads who were able to live their dreams and goals...a feat my mother was not able to accomplish in her lifetime."
Many Blessings......Traci Campbell
If you would love to meet Traci or be on her top rated internet radio show pls contact her below.
Traci S. Campbell, Host "Heroes at Home" Radio
Here's a REAL Celebrity Single Mom: Here are her own words. "I have been a single mom since July of 2006. I left my ex-husband when my son was just four months old and every day since has been an unbelievable adventure. I’ve had ups, downs and spins. You name it - I’ve felt it. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever picture this as my life, but here it is. There are a few things I do know are true - there are no limits to what a woman can do - when she has a child in her care."
February 26, 2008 4:09 PM
She's absolutely strong
February 26, 2008 4:10 PM
We are increasing everyday. The celebs have money, and not all of us have that but we are rolling. Thanks Kemi for putting up this blog.
February 26, 2008 4:11 PM
I hear you are also a Pharmacist and Medical Reporter. Wow!
February 26, 2008 4:13 PM
20 years in May 2008, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. First in the USA. I got into Journalism 12 years ago and started as a health reporter. Today, I write newscasts in Entertainment, crime, name it at a local Toronto TV Newsroom. AND BLOG 5 websites. Thank God my oldest is now 21.He can drive everyone places, do groceries etc.
February 26, 2008 4:14 PM
Ms Single Mama is wonderful. I have bookmarked her site. Thanks Kemi for bringing her to us.
February 26, 2008 4:15 PM
Ms Single Mama is gorgeous, strong willed and must not settle for less!
February 26, 2008 4:16 PM
I am a celebrity father and recently divorced. Love this site but are we supposed to be the monsters Kemi?
February 26, 2008 4:22 PM
Nobody is a monster! While in the USA for 24 years, my combined salary as a Pharmacist/Journalist was $140,000 but not a penny of that could compensate for my other REAL JOB. Caring for a 1 month old, 8 year old and 12 year old. Wake up 5am, cook, clean, 10 loads of laundry, don't let me go on! Please....This sites are to share experiences. Good to be back in Canada!I have a 21,16+ and 7+. My adult son does a lot of my chores now. Drop others off at soccer, church classes, movies etc. I rest and blog now. The Newsroom job's easier.
February 26, 2008 4:23 PM
Kemi, you said it! Hope that wasn't Eddie Murphy cos he's got 8 kids! Ms Single Mama and you should start a TV talk show.LOL!
February 26, 2008 4:25 PM
Thanks Kandy! I hardly fill prescriptions anymore. 2 days a month. Journalism is all I do these days. After a back injury, it's hard to stand all day.
February 26, 2008 4:26 PM
Alaina is wonderful. I know who she is. Great mom!
February 26, 2008 4:38 PM
Wow! I am speechless. Thank you! What an amazing honor.
I've just discovered your site as well but love it already! What a vibrant community you have - and you're managing 5 blogs and reporting. I used to be a radio reporter - such a demanding job.
Small world, isn't it? With lots of amazing single moms.
February 26, 2008 5:12 PM
Ms Single Mama, just saw your comment on my blog! I was laughing so hard. Speechless? You're a dynamic lady! Send the friends, co-workers, family and ex there to look at you. This is your LIFE! This world wide web is so wide, we can all meet. My specialty is actually radio too!Look at that! What are the odds?
February 26, 2008 10:23 PM
Well...I was a bit speechless. All of those kind words and that huge picture!
Sweet - another radio girl! Woo hoo. Thanks again! I'll pass it along babe and I added you to my blogroll.
March 1, 2008 12:54 PM
Ms. Single Mama's blog is awesome - she shares real dating predicaments, and offers her unique perspective and advice. A very well-put-together site. As a single dad, I enjoy reading it.