Mother's Day mourning -- for those with empty arms

Photo by Larisa Koshkina

 
I normally reserve weekends for quotes or an occasional giveaway. However, today, I wanted to talk a little bit about Mother's Day. For many, this isn't a happy time. If you are one of those people who purposely avoid Hallmark stores around this time of year, I want you to know, I understand. Having lost my own mom in January 2013, I'm facing my second Mother's Day without her. It hurts, but it's something most of us face sometime in our lives. The first holidays that roll around seem to be the toughest, with Mother's Day being near the top of the list.

I often drove with my children and eventually, grandchildren, to meet my mom in Bedford, PA for lunch on Mother's Day. It was a tradition we enjoyed. Since we usually couldn't get away for the entire weekend, this halfway meeting point along the turnpike was something we all looked forward to. Last year, it didn't happen. And it won't happen this year either. 

Last month, my stepdaughters lost their mom to breast cancer. This will be an extremely difficult day for them. At least I had my mom until I was 55. They are only in their 30s. It's way too early to face this Mother's Day without their mom and I grieve for them.

But Mother's Day is even harder, I imagine, for another group of women -- those who longed to be mothers but were deprived of that opportunity. My heart, dear ones, goes out to you especially. Some of you lost children before they were born and your arms ache from emptiness. Others hoped to conceive, but it just never happened. Still others, dreamed of being married and having a family, but the right man never came along.

Let's face it . . . for you, Mother's Day sucks. 

With that in mind, I won't post my usual Mother's Day sentiment for the weekend. Instead, I'll post this message and hope you find some comfort in knowing that you are not forgotten. 

With hugs and affection,