My Journey to WeParent
February 2, 2009 by Talibah Mbonisi
I can’t begin to articulate how excited I am to finally share WeParent with you. For most of my life, I’ve found myself passionate about one idea or another only to let it flicker out because of my inaction.
That hasn’t happened with WeParent, though. Perhaps because, like many of you, I recognize the importance of sorting this thing out with my son’s father. As a mother, I want to do right by my child, and I know that finding my way to the best parenting partnership we can manage is part of that. And, as a woman, I know that finding myself and finally unleashing her onto the world in her most magnificent form requires some healing. Maybe this light hasn’t fizzled, because more than anything right now, navigating my way along this journey as a parent is key to my growth and happiness. For the first time in my life, I truly feel called to build something and to make sure this fire in me does not become extinguished.
So, that’s part of the story that has brought me to WeParent. The rest of the story is that almost eight years ago, I got pregnant by a man I had only known for three months. Yes, we were digging each other, but no, we didn’t have an official, exclusive commitment to one another…and we definitely didn’t have any plans to go half on a baby. It certainly wasn’t my most responsible moment. His either. But, we made lemonade, and for more than three years, we lived together creating some really wonderful memories and facing some challenges. Ultimately, forever didn’t meet us in that relationship, and we transitioned into a co-parenting partnership and friendship.
Yes. We are friends…most of the time. But, all of the time, we are family. And, that has been key to our being able to co-parent through the hot and critical times. We decided early on that no matter what, our son made us family and that failure in this co-parenting endeavor was not an option.
It’s been a bumpy road at times. That’s for sure. But we are proud of what we have built, and we continue to get better. Still, we need support. I needed support, and I wasn’t finding what I thought I needed; so I decided to build it and to share the process with you.
And, here we are, mothers, fathers, experts and amateurs, co-creating the support we need…Tapping into that thing called hope, acting on some glimmer of faith that we can heal ourselves, our families and create the change our kids need to be happy, healthy children who grow into happy, healthy adults.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to growing with you.
P.S. That’s me on the home page!
MamaSpeak: Meeting the Challenge–What I’m Thankful For…
Being Right or Having Peace
Renee aka Mekhismom on Wed, 4th Mar 2009 5:57 pm
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and I am crying tears of joy right now. I am so excited that you have launched this site. I know it is going to be a huge success!
tayoluwa on Wed, 4th Mar 2009 8:30 pm
Thank you so much! You have been such a steady source of encouragement and inspiration! And, now it begins…
Mama Shujaa on Thu, 5th Mar 2009 7:45 am
Talibah,
Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. I join you in your journey towards healing, towards nourishing our communities for the health and happiness of our children.
You look lovely in that picture on the home page!
Mama Shujaa.
Azuree on Thu, 5th Mar 2009 9:17 pm
Congrats !!! Too awesome….and i must say truly impressive…Well Talibah i wish you well and i pray that you continue to keep going and remain steadfast in all your accomplishments. YOU GO GIRL….
John on Fri, 6th Mar 2009 10:28 am
YEAH!!! Hard to believe it is finally up and running. Can’t wait to watch this baby grow! BTW, I must say the design is beautiful. You must have had a wonderful designer
Best of luck!
John on Fri, 6th Mar 2009 10:29 am
Hey – go get yourself a Gravatar already! You can’t remain faceless forever
Talibah Mbonisi on Fri, 6th Mar 2009 10:59 am
OK. Just went and got my gravatar. Let’s see if it works! And, you’re right! The design is quite beautiful. And, in fact, it was the world’s *greatest* web designer who hooked me up!
Earl on Sat, 7th Mar 2009 1:44 am
Congrats…Happy to see the dream become reality.
Iris Grimm on Sat, 7th Mar 2009 12:20 pm
Hi Talibah,
Congratulations to your website. I imagine how much this means to you; no more hiding, no more procrastination! There are hundreds and thousands mothers, fathers and children out there seeking your support, wisdom and skills.
I am wishing you all the best in this exciting adventure!
Lillie on Sat, 7th Mar 2009 5:23 pm
What a wonderful website! The idea itself is a testiment to the fact that good relationships can birth friendships, lessons and ideas that last even when the romantic relationships themselves do not. May forever marry the wisdom and love that this site is surely to produce.
Peace and blessings,
Lillie
Claudette on Tue, 10th Mar 2009 1:51 pm
Thanks so much for your vision and getting this site up and running. I know first hand how co-parenting will impact our children for the rest of their lives. It is a job I take very seriously. I look forward to sharing and learning together. Peace and Blessings
David Miller on Sat, 28th Mar 2009 3:27 pm
Thanks for your web site. If we are serious about “change” it begins with responsible parenting.
We have launched Raising Him Alone a campaign focused on supporting single mothers.
Please visit http://www.raisinghimalone.com