Alicia Babb and her two children

Experience as a single mother of two has taught me many things, but the most important thing is that God doesn’t give us more than we can bear. I was thrust into single parenthood after divorce and suddenly had the task of raising two children on my own. In the beginning, I was very apprehensive. If I had trusted God more I wouldn’t have been as worried.

My parents were truly a blessing. I was very fortunate to be able to depend on them to help me with raising my children. I never liked having to leave my first born at my parents’ house when I had to go to work. I knew she was in good hands, but it broke my heart each time I had to kiss her goodbye. Being a single parent, whether you are a mother or a father, should never make you feel less than adequate. Never fall into the stigma of a ‘single parent can’t do this or that’, and don’t overcompensate for the other parent not being there. You don’t want to spoil your child.

I’m a woman of faith, but in my twenties I often struggled with it. I just didn’t know how to wait. My faith definitely grew as I got older. By the time my son was born, I was remarried and doing better financially. However, I became a single mother again after another divorce. My parents played a very important role in helping me raise my son, as well. They were there to pick him up after school, attend meetings, and cheer at games. I had a great support system.

To all the single parents out there today, I say: don’t give up, be strong, love your kids, and don’t hold grudges. You should always remain positive; it’s important for your child’s self-esteem. Kids learn by watching their parent’s actions, not by what they say. My journey can best be summed up by my faith and belief that God would provide.

~Alicia Babb

Article was written by Ashley Rachel after interviewing Alicia Babb

Janelle Kearney

Janelle Kearney is a star basketball player at Diamond Ranch High School in Pasadena, California. Kearney averaged 11.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game during her junior year and was named Player of the Year. I spoke with her about her success and how her father continues to impact her life.

Q. How did you feel when you were named Player of the Year?

A. I felt really good. I was really thankful to God and my family. It feels good to have your hard work pay off in the end.

Q. Who got you interested in basketball?

A. Definitely my dad. He’s a big sports fan. He taught me how to dribble and how to shoot. He encouraged me to look into high school basketball. He really pushed me. I’m thankful he did now. I’m really thankful to him.

Q. How influential has your father been in your life?

A. My dad is by far the most influential person in my life. His encouragement is the reason I’m good in athletics and academics. He taught me to never quit and he’s a big reason for my success.

Q. Is your father emotionally involved at your games? Does he behave like a “soccer dad” or in your case a “basketball dad”?

A. My dad is very calm for the most part. (she chuckles) He might yell a little from the stands-like encouraging things. He’s not the crazy fanatic at all.

Q. Is there one piece of advice that you’ve never forgotten? From your dad or your coach, etc?

A. Give it your all every game because you never know which game will be your last game. I give it my all. I always give it 110 percent

Q. Have you decided on a college yet?

A. No. My Dad and I are discussing different colleges. My Dad is advising me on how to contact different colleges, how to conduct myself.

Q. Fun question: When you were younger, did your dad ever try to do your hair? Was he a good stylist?

A. (she chuckles) Thankfully, I always had my grandmother there to do my hair. He’s braided my hair once, but it didn’t end well. (she chuckles) So, I restricted him from doing my hair. Yeah, thankfully I had my grandmother.

-Ashley Rachel