I am elated this was discussed in such depth and given so much attention, finally. I am not a single Mom, but know there are so many in this situation who feel so alienated, as if they are outcasts and sinners.

I have been a divorced mom for the past 5 years. I have never felt like an outcast or a sinner. I ended my marriage for reasons that I am perfectly comfortable with. The problem is that most other members treat divorced parents as outcasts and sinners...and our children have seen you do it.

My husband left us when my youngest was two weeks old. I was shocked as were almost everyone in our circle. I had an 4 year old with rhumatoid arthritis, a 10 year old autistic and a baby. It was tough. For the next 5 years my ex husband behaved like a college kid 4 states away, while my parents moved near us to help out. Members were helpful and kind early on, but I did see the difference with which our little family has been treated since the divorce. While married my oldest was invited to sleepovers frequently, we were phone and included. Once divorced the connections seemed to fade away. My youngest two were hardly ever invited to anything socially. We could no longer invite the missionaries in for dinner, which was a huge loss to us. I have asked over the years for Home and visiting teachers but they have been infrequent visitors. When we were an intact family they never missed a month. I was not angry, I was not needy. I have an excellent career and my kids have had a nice home. Two of my kids have attended
BYU-Provo. However, we were second class.