Single Mom Lucy Lu On Parenting Struggles + What Keeps Her Going

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Lucy Lu first came to Beijing from her hometown of Chongqing, when she was just out of school. She had studied English in college and took the IELTS English qualification exam when she was 24 years old, with the hopes of working internationally.

But things changed after she met her Mr D, the man who would become her daughter’s father. They dated for about a year and Lucy became pregnant. At that point, Mr D chose to end the relationship, leaving Beijing for Shanghai.

Since both of Lucy’s parents have passed away and her brother lives elsewhere with his own life, Lucy took up the mantle of raising her daughter, Isabel, by herself. So far, perhaps the hardest ordeal she’s had to overcome was when both Isabel and her contracted Covid with temperatures up to 39°C. Without a partner and completely in social isolation, the pair had to rely on each other to get through that tough time.

Isabel will turn three in January of next year, and Lucy says it was only with the kindness of strangers in Beijing's community that she and Isabel have been able to survive, and indeed, thrive here.

"The people, especially those in the expat community, have been so friendly and helpful. They introduce me to their friends to help find me work. I really wish to thank them," shares Lucy in a phone interview with jingkids.

As a side hustle to her part time job, Lucy uses her bilingual skills to offer translation services to expatriates who might need assistance in local matters such as tax office visits, bank account set up etc. She also helps to order and arrange delivery services and can help with purchases that require a Chinese ID.

With the support of the community including St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where Lucy sang in the choir, she feels grateful to be able to watch Isabel blossom as a young child. "She is already so independent and has her own ideas now. When she was just one year old, she was already picking out her own clothes!" Lucy gushes about her daughter.

When asked what Lucy tells Isabel about her father, Lucy says that she tells her daughter tactfully, "Your dad is not here now, but maybe in the future, he may come to see you one day."

"I just wish for Isabel to be blessed by God to grow up healthy and happy, so she can help others too," Lucy prays. "I hope she will make better choices than I did."

If you require Lucy's services for translation or other matters, feel free to scan her QR code to add her on WeChat. She is friendly, honest and eager to help.

Images: Courtesy of Lucy Lu

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