A Not So Happy Motherā€™s Day
May 10, 2024
By Kathy Young Deegan
“Even on hard days, remember: Our circumstances cannot ruin our lives without our permission. We can fight back. We can grieve our losses wholeheartedly—and then pick up the banner of gratitude and carry on."
--September Vaudrey
Two years ago, I spent Mother’s Day resting and wrote this reflection:
Today is Mother’s Day. I had 5 hours to myself for the first time in a long while. What a gift.
It’s been one of the longest and most difficult years of motherhood for me so I wanted to take time to rest and reflect.
For those of us who are mothers we know that our time is not our own- it often is held by those we nurture and love.
Today I reflected on the painful side of this holiday. This is the side not seen among the countless posts of photos, flowers and gatherings. I know this day brings much heartache for me and so many:
Feelings of regret about the past or present relationship with our mothers.
Feelings of shame about our inability to conceive or raise a child.
Feelings of grief about losing our mothers or our children way too soon.
If you are sad, lonely or grieving this Mother’s Day know and hold onto these truths:
You are seen.
You are valued.
You are worthy.
Most of all, know you are not alone.
What feelings arise for you on Mother’s Day?
What truths can help you to celebrate yourself and others this year?
