Emmy Rossum Says Single Moms Are "Enough"

Emmy Rossum is a total queen. Earlier this year, she demanded equal pay for her role on Showtime's Shameless and got it. And this week, Emmy Rossum discussed single moms on Facebook, and the honesty of the post will make you feel all the feels.

Rossum wrote that she attended a talk between Katie Couric and Sheryl Sandberg, who are both single mothers, and was moved. It's not a secret that Rossum has a single mom, too. Although single moms are badass, it's not easy, Rossum wrote — for the single parent or the child. Particularly around Father's Day or any "tradition" at school like a "Father Daughter Dance" (which are also just weird anyway):

Some of these traditions are really hard for those of us who don’t have. Even today, the idea of no father/daughter dance at my wedding. No father to walk me down the aisle. All of these “traditions” are painful reminders that inadvertently re-injure us, causing a feeling of loss, jealously (of others who have what I didn’t), anger and confusion. Usually leading to us feel somehow inadequate.

But she wrote, her mother was always "enough." Obviously.

"I don't like her to know that it still causes me pain — 30 years later — lest she feel somehow that she wasn't enough. She was always enough. She is enough. She wasn’t perfect, no one is, but for me she was the best mom ever," the actress wrote.

Rossum then went on to say that she, and the handful of other kids who were also being raised by single parents, had a weird sort of bond. They "got" it. Namely because they knew what it was like to not just be raised by one parent, but likely also knew what grief and loss, of any kind, felt like at a young age. That's a big deal for children. She added,

... When you're going through something or when you live with something like that, most people don't know what to say... so most don't say anything at all. And that makes it feel even more isolating.

But there are more single parents now than ever before in America. In fact, one in four kids is being raised by a single parent. Which is why posts like Rossum's (and the shared experiences of women like Couric and Sandberg) are so important, because they're a good reminder that it's important to celebrate all kinds of families, from parents to kids. And keep things inclusive, in words and actions, so that no parent and especially no child feels isolated from their peers. Especially when they're going through it.

Once again, Emmy Rossum comes through with her inspiring and authentic attitude. Now pass the tissues.