Lot takes each day with a positive outlook on life. “You have to stay positive in the hard times. When I have trouble finding time to myself or can’t find a sitter or we are just having a tough time, I remind myself that it’s just temporary. I don’t have to look at it as a negative thing, just a temporary one.”

Lot and her children were living out of state when circumstances led them to return. “I made the decision to start completely over when I bought our one-way tickets back to Iowa. We left with nothing but our clothes.” Not sure what would be next for them, Lot set out to find a job and a place for her family to live. “Within a few weeks I already had a few job offers, a car, and an apartment. I knew then that everything was going to work out. Even if I had to run on pure adrenaline and coffee, I knew that I was going to be able to do this on my own.”

Not having a lot of family around after her father passed away, Lot initially found support through friends she met at work and her love of dance. “I had been a part of a dance community but had to stop participating for a while. When I moved back to Iowa, I got involved with the Latin dance community, as I started to make self-care more of a priority. We travel to different competitions together, and it is just a great community.”

Lot was introduced to Single Parent Provision through social media and a friend. “I have met a lot of people through different events at SPP. I got to know a few people at this past Single Moms Christmas Dinner, and we traded information. Later I had to be to the doctor’s office for a surgery and my sitter fell through. I put out a plea and someone I had met at the Christmas Dinner responded and said she’d be there in 20 minutes. I was like really?! That saved my life. It was awesome!”

Life has been good as Lot and her three kids have found their new normal. “I can’t fathom what life would look like if we didn’t move back here. We have a lot of fun together exploring the city and going for walks. We like to meet new people and have fun. My kids are genuinely happy. They have grown up so much in the past few years!” Lot likes to remind people that “everyone’s journey is different but don’t lose hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!”

Thank you, Lot, for sharing your story with us. As you and your family continue to put down roots, we hope you continue to find joy in your journey!

Published June 2022