Life can throw us into unexpected situations and somehow we find the strength to rise above them. For me, it came in 2002 when my sister passed away fairly suddenly, and upon her untimely death I became the guardian of her 4 year old son.
I quickly learned to appreciate what it takes to be a single parent and how to navigate the roller coast of emotions and pressures that comes with raising a child. The feelings of self-doubt and determination to be at your best continually weigh on your mind.
Am I doing all that I can? Will I honour her wishes and memory? How can I rely on my extended family? How will I possibly raise a grieving boy into a resilient, well-adjusted and accomplished young man? What financial priorities have to be set in the short and long term? These were only of the few questions I asked myself over the past 16 years.
Having the resolve to be present every day, to be forward thinking, and feeling fine with accepting help from family and friends made what felt impossible, possible.
The experience of single-parenthood also gave me a unique and profound appreciation for what so many other parents must be going through, particularly those who have far less resources and supports that I have been privileged to have. Unfortunately, the reality of under-resourced children and families is far to common holding many kids back from achieving their full potential.
My sister, a single mother herself, was counted among the many. The fact that 21% of single mothers in Canada raise their children while living in poverty (7% of single fathers raise their children in poverty) has given me both a reason to pause and remember how fortunate I have been compared to the many single mothers out there.
Today, I am proud to say my nephew has grown into a well-grounded, hard working musician, audio producer and manager. He is on his own path, determined to achieve his own success and independence. While I remain a parent, I am adjusting to my new role as a mentor and advisor.
Onward we go and navigate what may lie ahead, while we pay tribute to my sister.
At Resolute Clothing Co we are committed to helping vulnerable youth. When you purchase any of our inspirational tees and tanks you join with us in this endeavour.
LGBTQ individuals also perceive a significantly greater impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon their current physical and mental health, household finances, and quality of life, as well as their outlook in these areas in the near future ... [We] continue our deep commit to supporting LGBTQ youth with access to health and education opportunities, in particular helping to fund youth services at The 519 Community Center and the LGBTQ Youth Line during these uncertain times.
While costs of living mount for Canadians, low-income families are showing a 10-year growth of their charitable giving. This demonstrates they have strong affinity to helping others, and hopefully this trend encourages others to contribute generously.
At Resolute Clothing Co, we are supporting the UN sustainable development goals, specifically helping vulnerable youth achieve higher education, good health and wellbeing.
Resolute Clothing Co is proud to offer high quality, comfortable t-shirts that hold their shape and fit. Super soft and made to last. Specific product details are listed on the individual product page. All graphic tees are UNISEX FIT, unless specified on the specific product page, and follow North American standard sizing (see chart below).
ADULT SIZING
Measure by Inches
XS
S
M
L
XL
XXL
Length
26.5
28
29.25
30.25
31.25
32.5
Wide
16
18
20
22
24
26
* Small and medium sizes may fit pre-teens and young teens, based on individual measurements
