Growing up in a world that is often filled with hardships, challenges, and unexpected twists, Sean Whalen knows firsthand the profound impact divorce can have on a family. His childhood experiences made him a compassionate and empathetic adult, inspiring him to make a difference in the lives of others.
The painful memory of divorce
One of the pivotal moments in Sean’s life was his parents’ painful divorce. He vividly remembers the violent arguments that tore his family apart. As tensions escalated, his mother, faced with an unbearable situation, decided to check Sean and his brother into a hotel for their safety. Little did they know it would be a nightmare turning point in their lives.
Returning the next morning, Sean and his family were met with locked doors and changed locks. Their home, once a place of comfort and safety, has become a place of exclusion and abandonment. It was a heart-wrenching moment when they realized they were missing their own lives and only had ten minutes to gather their necessities.
During those ten minutes, Sean was forced to leave behind valuable possessions, including games, toys, and even their beloved pets. Everything they knew was suddenly out of reach. It was a traumatic experience that left a permanent scar on Sean’s heart.
They have nothing left.
Sean witnessed his mother struggle mightily to provide for the family during this terrible time. Even though she was worn out, he could see that she never gave up.
Even at night, he witnessed her on her knees begging for the courage to start again the next day. He never got lost.
Now that he is an adult, Sean is raising his son alone. He had to risk everything to rebuild his life after the recession caused him to lose everything.
He now understands the struggles his mother endured for so long.
Sean recently took his son out to dinner at one of their favorite Chinese restaurants. They started chatting with their waitress as they ate. She was a single mother, as they both quickly discovered.
Sean couldn’t ignore the feeling that there was something familiar about the woman as they continued their conversation.
She made him think of his mother.
Sean left a $100 tip for his $26 transaction because he felt compelled to help. He realized that even if it wouldn’t be enough to drastically change her life, it would at least make her day and maybe give her courage for the future.
Later that evening, Sean sat down and wrote down some ideas. His words motivated thousands of people:
“The day my parents divorced is forever etched in my memory. My dad and I have a big fight. My mom, my little brother, and I leave because my dad is crazy. We stayed in a hotel that night. My father changed the locks when they came back the next day. I saw my mother begging him through the door to let us in so we could get clothes and other things. He refused.
Later that day we had to return with a police escort. I’ll never forget the cops giving me a black garbage bag and telling me I had ten minutes to get what I needed. That was the last time I entered the house where I grew up. I packed as many clothes as I could fit in my bag.
no baseball awards.
None of my ten thousand baseball cards.
Nothing of mine.
I even left my beloved turtle.
My mother and my younger brother moved into a small apartment, but they had nothing. Pots, pans, couches, beds, and members of the congregation brought food. My mom literally had money in her pocket when my dad practically paid off the bank.
She couldn’t do anything.
no relatives around.
Basically just strangers from the church as help.
When I became a single parent, I began to understand what my mother went through working multiple jobs. When I was younger, I never realized how hard my mother worked and how much effort she put into taking care of my brother and me. She was fast. She made a lot of effort to cope. She went out of her way to make sure my brother and I got everything we could wish for.
But she had work to do.
Hard.
I still have no idea how she did it.
How she managed to keep going at times is beyond me.
And I should.
I distinctly remember seeing her on her knees in prayer as I often passed by her room at night. I can only imagine what she and God were discussing during those exchanges. The amount of tears that flowed down the face of this kind woman as she begged God for forgiveness is beyond my understanding.
I have lived through severe agony in my time. Even though I had many doubts, this single mother of two boys never gave up. She never once gave up.
Tonight, as my son and I sat at this small, run-down Chinese restaurant that we adore, there was a new waitress.
She was clearly extraordinary. Chinese owners. They are Chinese employees. Plus this white young waitress. She was excellent and constantly praised my son for his behavior.
We used up our food.
I got the impression that this single mother didn’t want to be there, but had to be there anyway, and she tried her best to smile during the short conversation and refilling of drinks.
It broke my heart.
I compared this woman to my mother and noticed that she was just as tough.
single mother
Maybe on purpose.
Maybe not.
however, on Wednesday night put food on the table and shoes on the children’s feet.
not for extravagance.
not reach status.
however to live.
So that she can give her children things that will make them happy.
I felt sorry for her.
I felt her suffering.
I couldn’t help but think of my mother and how difficult it is for a single woman to make the transition from housewife to wage earner.
I don’t understand what it must be like for some mothers.
I’m aware that my tip won’t cover her rent, the baby’s braces, or stocking the fridge.
But tonight I was hoping it would somehow put a smile on her face and bring her back to her children happier than when she left them.
I got the feeling tonight that maybe someone did something for my mother along the way and that kept her going on the night she wanted to give up.
I’m not sure.
I probably won’t find out.
However, I realize that I was incredibly lucky and that my mother opened the door to my tenacity.
She taught me how to heal myself
I learned from her what work and effort is.
I hope that if I do this little favor for her tonight with my son, she will feel happier and more motivated to fight tomorrow.
Respect for single mothers who work hard.
You are kind and future generations will benefit from your work. They look out for you.
I was just watching my mother.
I admire you, Mom.
My hero is you.
In closing, Sean pays a heartfelt tribute to his mother, who has been his lifelong hero. He credits the lessons she taught him about hard work, resilience, and the ability to overcome adversity. Sean’s story serves as a reminder that despite adversity, love, determination, and acts of kindness can light the way forward.
Sean’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the power of compassion and empathy to change lives. It’s a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, touching the hearts of others and inspiring them to pay it forward.
As Sean Whalen’s story continues to inspire and uplift, we are reminded that there is beauty in resilience, strength in empathy, and hope in the face of adversity. May his words continue to touch the hearts of many, just as his mother’s unwavering love and determination touched his own.