Mothers Day is not all flowers and candy. The day does not always look like a Norman Rockwell magazine cover. To some it’s a dreaded day for good reason.

Those who want to celebrate the day need not feel guilty, but in our hearts we should be sensitive to those who struggle on this day. Each of you has your own stories, I’m sure there are many reasons for hardships.
Possible scenarios which can make a Mother’s day hard:
• A woman who was abused in some way-maybe even at the hand of a mother who was supposed to love them. Their childhood memories are mostly painful.
• A woman whose mother has passed away-don’t judge if it’s still hard after 2 months or many years, it was still their mother.
• A woman who has lost a child in some way, miscarriage, illnesses, accidents, an infant death.
• A woman who had a mother that had mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
• The mother-child relationship was a strained one and didn’t heal in adulthood.
• The father of the child left with the kids, the mom has no contact with them. The mother or child long for a relationship.
• The incarcerated mother.
• A woman who wants to conceive a child but for whatever reason they have not.
• A woman who longed to marry and have children, but it has not yet come.
• Adult children could be out of their mother’s life, maybe the mother or child have forgiveness issues to iron out. Pride keeps them apart.
• A daughter who has to watch her mother sink behind the veil of Alzheimer’s Disease.
• An adopted child who has a wonderful loving family, but also desires to find their biological roots.
• The mother who gave her child up for adoption and wonders where her child is.
• A child who is holding vigil on a mother tonight, knowing she’ll be walking through the pearly gates soon.
• Fill in your blank____________________________. What is your particular issue about motherhood?

Many of these issues could happen with a son just as well as a daughter. Let’s just remember to keep our eyes and hearts open to those who struggle. Be a listening ear where you can.
If you have reason to celebrate, then by all means do! If you have a step-mom, a mother-in-law, aunt, grandma or mentor, show them your appreciation. If you have children, be thankful you can celebrate being their mother.
Take it one more step:
If you know of a person who is a mother, send them a card, email, or text to let them know they are thought about, or that they’re doing a great job. It could be your mom, a neighbor who is a mom, a friend who is struggling, a mentor, or a lonely mom. Put your thinking cap on and take a few moments to encourage someone today. The few moments you spend could make a world of difference to someone else.
I would love to hear about how you celebrated or brought some light into someone’s day. Blessings to all!

In hope and joy,

Myrna