Months ago, a friend recommended that I should watch Under the Tuscan Sun, as it reminded her of the crossroads I faced in my life. Flipping through the channels, nursing my baby girl, I saw that the movie was just beginning at 10pm. Yes, I could watch that again.

Nearly two hours later (and many sappy tears), I remember why I did relate to this movie so much when I first watched it months ago. Life can hold so many surprises, and what we have planned — what we wish for — is often quite different from what we imagine it will be.

A year ago, I would have never dreamed that tonight I would be writing on a weblog about a baby girl that didn’t even exist in thought yet. That I would listen to her coos in the swing behind me, since she’s decided that even midnight might still be too early to sleep. (I knew missing a good nap today would hurt us!)

Being a single mom certainly wasn’t in my plans, yet it’s my reality. And, as difficult as it can be, I still wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have a beautiful little girl who gives me the opportunity to look at the world all over again. She encourages me to take a fresh view on life and on what it can be.

In this week’s Newsweek, Anna Quindlen wrote the “Final Word” column. I usually appreciate what she has to share, but this time, especially so. She describes her 16-year-old daughter, Maria, and how Maria grabs the reins of life — never considering that there are limits to what she can do and who she can become. The comment that stays with me — that her daughter makes her want to be a better woman. That, while she once aspired to be like her mother, she now wants to be like her daughter.

I can only hope for so much.

There is always hope - you never know what life might bring you.