Domestic violence is a terrifyingly reality for too many people around the country and around the world.
For many women, being a victim of domestic violence isn't as straightforward as most people might think. It's a complicated problem, and leaving an abusive partner isn't easy.
When kids are involved, though, many mothers find the strength to leave for the benefit of their children.
Michelle Srenco is a domestic violence survivor who escaped with her children four years ago. Since they got away, Michelle has been a single mother.
Her kids sometimes feel unlike other kids because they don't have a father, but Michelle refuses to let them live without a "dad" figure in their lives.
When her son and daughter had a "Donuts With Dad" event at school, Michelle stepped in and dressed up as her children's dad for the day.
This is one truly devoted mother. Check out the pictures from the event below!
Michelle shared her story on Love What Matters, where it got a lot of attention.
Within a few days, the post had over 6,000 reactions and 186 shares.
Michelle wrote:
My name is Michelle Srenco. I am 36.
My kids are Ciarah and Jordan, 7 and 9 years old.
I am a domestic violence survivor and I have been a single parent for 4 years. In 2013 I escaped the abuse.
When your kids don't have a dad in their life, you dress up like one.
That’s what I did for their Donuts With Dad school event. They loved it. I just want parents to know you can be both parents regardless of what gender you are.
Your kids don't care; they just want to feel like everyone else and not feel out of place.
I am also very close to my own dad.
He has instilled a lot in me and I have always said he was the best mother I ever had.
My dad taught me how to be a man and a woman. I can build and fix just about anything. I am very independent and I try to pass that on to my kids.
All of the other dads at the event were very supportive, giving me high fives and pats on the back.
After we had donuts, we went to the book fair and I walked them to class and I said in my best dad voice ‘Dad loves you, have a great day!’
I want to encourage other parents to always be there for their child.
Everyone who saw Michelle's post loved her creative solution.
One woman wrote, "I work at a school and we do 'breakfast with a buddy' so that way it can be a parent, grandparent, neighbor, aunt/uncle, etc. I love this mom for being there for her kids!"
"Your children are adorable, Michelle. I admire you for doing this. I can guarantee you it will be something they always remember," another woman wrote.
If you're inspired by Michelle's strength and parenting skills, please SHARE this article with your friends!
