Triple Shift Mom
A healthcare worker by day, Sara McKeown cleans homes after hours and a funeral parlor late at night to support her sons. And she still finds a way to show up for those around her.
This week, I interviewed a mom I met through The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, an organization that invests in women and girls to create stronger communities.
MOM: Sara McKeown
JOB: Healthcare compliance specialist
LOCATION: Monticello, Arkansas
“The first time I saw a dead body, it spooked me but now I pray over them and for their families.”
When I chatted with Sara McKeown, I was reminded of my own single mother. Like Sara, she had different odd jobs to keep her family afloat. My mom ran a daycare from our apartment, giving neighbors a safe and reliable place to leave their children while they went to work. She also sold meals to recent immigrants who would sit at our dining room table to enjoy a taste of home. There was no 9 to 5 for her.
That constant hustle is something Sara knows well. During the day she works in healthcare as a compliance specialist and after hours she cleans three to four houses a week. She also pulls in extra cash cleaning a funeral home the nights her sister is able to stay with her two boys, ages 6 and 4. “The first time I saw a dead body, it spooked me but now I pray over them and for their families,” she says.
That she takes a moment to think about the deceased as well as those grieving says a lot about Sara. A generous caregiver, she is always ready to lend a helping hand even when she can use one herself. But she trusts that the love she pours into others will come back around. “I tell myself that it’s gonna get better one day,” Sara says. “My kids see how hard I work, and they’ll tell me that I’m the best mom in the world—that makes everything worth it.”
The Mommune Q&A:
Did you always know you wanted to be a mom?
Sara: I never thought I’d have children. All my friends had kids when they were about 17. I would stay with them and help take care of their kids. So, it was a big surprise when I got pregnant with my son, who is 4. Then four and a half years ago, his older brother came to live with us. His mother was on drugs and he ended up in foster care. She terminated all her rights and his dad, my partner at the time, left him with me when we broke up.
What’s your parenting superpower—the one thing only you can provide?
Sara: I am an advocate for my kids. Especially for my older one. He has a lot of issues. We’ve done every therapy, every test. We’re waiting to find out if we’re autistic or if we have fetal alcohol syndrome. I’ve done all the things to make sure that my kids are heard. They know they’re not going to be overlooked.
Who looks out for you?
Sara: My sister is really good about watching my kids even for a little bit so that I can just breathe, take a shower alone, and clean my own house. I also have a friend who has two children so I watch her kids all the time and she watches mine sometimes. My kids are a bit harder to watch. Some people think they’re a little wild.
“My mom still works at the same lumber company she’s been at for 25 years. She drives 45 minutes each way to get there. And my dad has always had multiple jobs.”
What’s the hardest part about being a single mother?
Sara: Not having the support. I would like it if someone could help with school drop-off and pickup so that I could work longer and not stress if I’ll get my 40 hours this week. I have to take off for every little thing. I don’t mind working multiple jobs if that’s what I have to do to take care of my kids. But I wish I had more time with them. This weekend, I took off and we’re going to see the Harlem Globetrotters in Little Rock and hang by the pool. I had to work all spring break because my boss was on vacation. The boys are excited for our mini getaway.
Did you always want to work in healthcare?
Sara: My first real job in the field was as a certified nursing assistant in an Alzheimer’s unit, and I learned so much about being present when someone is alone and can’t remember anybody and is nearing the end of their days. It was a huge blessing.
Where do you get your work ethic from?
Sara: My parents. My mom still works at the same hospital she’s been at for 25 years. She drives 45 minutes each way to get there. And my dad has always had multiple jobs. I would love to go back to school and get a degree so that I can move up in my company and do better for me and my kids. But it’s just not possible.
You recently got a tattoo inspired by your sons. Tell me about it.
Sara: It’s a lioness and her cubs representing me and my two little boys, who are feisty and tough. They have been through so much and have seen me go through a lot. And they continue to stand by my side, defending me.
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Thanks for this powerful interview and window into someone else's life. I have so much respect and admiration for Sara, and yet I wish there was more support available to her so she could go back to school. That would clearly be a net good for society and obviously for her and her boys.