Tori Vince, Single mother, Australia

Meet Tori. When I was still in high school I befriended myself with Tori. We studied together in the same high school. She became pregnant and decided at that time with her then boyfriend to keep her beautiful son. Sadly 6 month ago her partner and the father of her son had decided to take a step back from an active parenting role and left. Tori having had already a tough past has now to juggle between different struggles, but thanks to her son she is able to do so. A mothers love for her child is the strongest bond there is. I believe that you will never be loved as much as a mother loves you (given that she is not a psychopathic mother who abuses you...). I find it really strong and full of courage that Tori speaks up and shares the story of her current and past life. I am sure there are others out there who went through the same struggles as single parent. There is so much a mother would do for her child even if it means depleting her own resources.

What is your name? Tori Jamie Vince

Where do you come from? I was originally born in Melbourne but as I grew up my family (mum, dad and two brothers) traveled Australia until we settled in Perth when I was 11 years old.

As a little child, do you remember what was your dream job? As a child I knew I always wanted to have a job involving animals. So either a vet, vet nurse or zoologist.

What is your profession now? Im currently a stay at home mum

Are you happy with your work life? Being a stay at home mum is hard sometimes. Some days it feels like the walls are closing around you and your all alone but on the good days its amazing. I love my son. He makes me more happy then anyone has ever.

If you could relive your life what advise would you give yourself? I would tell myself to be strong even when its really hard because it gets better in the end. Also to not give up on my dreams or ambitions.

What does happiness mean for you? Happiness means a lot to me. Its really important for me to make sure my son is happy and safe and healthy. It makes me happy to see him smile or cuddle me for no reason. It also makes me happy and its amazing to hear him say he loves me.

Was there a moment of doubt or darkness in your life? If so how did you manage to overcome this negativity? There use to be many moments of darkness throughout my childhood and the only way to get through it was with the help of medication. Im currently going through a dark chapter and the only reason I get up every morning and continue to live is because of my son.

If you could grant yourself one wish, what would it be? Unfortunately my wish would be to never have met my sons dad. It sounds horrible but I believe firmly in a united family (mum and dad together) so when his dad left me 6 months ago I began to wish we never had my son, only because I dont want him to go through this pain of his father only being a small part of his life (his fathers choice). I love my son with all my being.

What is the most important thing in life? Many people would say yourself or family or sometimes money but for me its my son.

What advise for life can you give me? I cant really give any good advice except maybe find someone or something that give you such and overwhelming joy and hold onto that or them tightly. Dont let it go.

You know the mother is good when the child is smiling bright :) 

A great time together, quality time is important.

Our parents are there for us, teaching us everyday something new.

The last day when Tori was working for Qantas.