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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — It takes a village to raise a child, even if the village includes someone who can traditionally be difficult to embrace.
That’s the message single mom Audrey Loving is working hard to promote, and her heartwarming message of gratitude to the girlfriend of the father of her child has touched the hearts of thousands across the globe.
Loving parted ways with her ex-fiance, Corey Henry, several years ago, Today reported. But the pair share a daughter, 4-year-old Riley, and though Loving has full custody, Henry is an active participant in the little girl’s life.
It wasn’t exactly easy for Loving when her ex began dating Whitney McGraw, but Loving decided she was going to accept the new woman in her daughter’s life instead of making an already tricky situation worse.
“It’s awkward for her too — dating someone with a kid,” Loving told Today.
Loving, who comes from a blended family herself, knew it would be best for her daughter if she took the high road as they navigated new territory.
“Growing up, I heard the negative talk about the ‘other woman,’ and I didn’t want my kid to hear the same thing,” she told Today. “It’s not fair. Kids are smart.”
Though Loving admits she was nervous to send her daughter to visit the couple at first, McGraw frequently sent pictures and text messages to help ease her anxiety. Loving quickly realized that McGraw was invested in her daughter, and her nerves were quickly replaced with feelings of gratitude.
Loving shared her story, as well as her feelings about McGraw, on the Love What Matters Facebook page. She posted a photo of McGraw and Riley, expressing her deep appreciation for the woman who took such good care of her daughter.
“I’m super thankful for her because when she visits her dad she feeds her, takes care of her, buys her gifts, and basically takes care of her like her own,” Loving wrote. “Why do all these moms act so spiteful and jealous towards the other women? NOONE said it was easy trying to be a mother to a kid you didn’t have. So when there is someone trying, don’t push them away!”
The post clearly struck a note with quite a few people — it’s garnered more than 73,000 likes and 9,000 shares since Loving put it up last week.
Moms and stepmoms alike jumped into the conversation — most of whom applauded Loving and McGraw for their relationship.
“It’s amazing to see humans come together for this beautiful child and put her as the number 1 priority,” wrote one commenter.
“Agreed, agreed, agreed!! More love is just more love,” wrote another. “Sharing doesn’t decrease the quantity, it increases the volume.”
Loving has been blown away by the outpouring she’s received. While she’s the first to admit that sharing her daughter isn’t easy, she’s happy her baby has the extra support and love.
“Just be a grown-up and put the kid first,” she told Today. “Teach the kid love.”
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