Raine's Story: Finding Light in Loss

Raine Chacko became a single mother in 2014 after the sudden loss of her husband, Joe, following 13 years of marriage. Left to raise two children, Jonathan and Mia, Raine’s world shifted overnight. Grieving while navigating the demands of parenting, finances, and emotional support alone was overwhelming.

She speaks candidly about the challenges—losing the emotional and financial balance of a partner, managing the weight of expectations, and coping with the guilt of not being able to give her children everything. But Raine also shares moments of quiet kindness that helped her through, like a neighbor who left meals at her door without needing to ask what she needed.

To Raine, success as a mother means raising kind, resilient children—not achieving perfection. She’s proud of the compassion her children have developed through their grief and hardship. While she’s thankful for mental health support and grief resources, she believes more must be done—affordable childcare, better tax treatment, and services tailored to single parents.

Her message to other single mothers: it’s okay to struggle, and you’re not alone. With patience, support, and hope, better days do come. “Some days are harder,” she says, “but every new day brings new light.”