By JOLENE OGLE
SINGLE mother-of-three Melissa Martin has a lot on her plate. While raising three girls who dance four days a week, Melissa also works four days a week and is studying a degree in teaching through distance education.
Any one of those things is enough to keep most people busy but Melissa said it was all about providing the best life she could for her three daughters; Tayla, 15, Jessica, 11, and Amber, 9.
“When I look at what I do sometimes, I think just how have I done that?” she said.
“A lot of routine and a lot of organisation have got me through it.”
An average day for Melissa includes sending the girls off to school before starting her work day at Peregian Springs State School, then taking the girls to dancing classes, plus cooking, cleaning and washing once everyone is home.
“I have one day off a week, but that day is cleaning, washing, shopping and studying,” she said.
“I don’t get time for myself but I try to, when we don’t have a busy dance weekend, I take the girls to the beach or river and we have some time to just do nothing.”
Melissa has been a single mother for five years and said her daughters seemed to have adjusted, thanks to routine and hard work.
“They’re only kids once and I’m an adult for a long time,” she said.
“If I can give them anything, I will do it. I’ve saved my butt of to send Tayla on a school trip and she’s saved too.”
Melissa, who has never been on holidays or overseas, said she can’t wait to help Tayla and her other daughters experience different opportunities in life.
While Melissa said some days were harder than others and there were times she felt life was unfair, but she didn’t waste her time wallowing in pity.
“You have to stop and think about all the good things you have in your life, and think about why you’re doing what you’re doing,” she said.
“You need to look to the future and have hope.
“It is hard. I’m not going to lie. You do have days when you sit there and think can I cope with this, can I keep going. But you do. You keep going on the love of your kids.”
It’s because of Melissa’s determination to provide the best life for her children that we celebrate her as one of Noosa’s unsung heroes, a real trooper in our local community and a deserving star of The Noosa Project.
If you know anyone who deserves to be celebrated for their hard work, determination through tough times or commitment to the community, we would love to hear from you.
We’re calling for nominations for The Noosa Project; a celebration of our local community’s unsung heroes who help make this region the unique place it is. Simply email newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au.
