Grieving on Mother’s Day
Mother's Day is a time of celebration, but for many of us who have lost our mothers or mothers that have lost children, it can be a day of grief and sadness. Coping with the loss is a difficult and emotional process, and Mother's Day can be especially painful as we are reminded of their absence. It certainly was one of my very hardest days each year following Brady’s passing. In this blog post, I wanted to explore some ways to navigate the grief of losing a mother or child on Mother's Day.
One of the most important things to do when grieving on Mother's Day is to take the time to honor your your loved one's memory: visit their resting place, memorial space or a place that was special to them, creating a memorial in your home, or even just spending time reflecting on your memories of them. Reflecting on the happy times and the things that they taught you can help you feel closer to them on this day, even though they are no longer here earthside.
You also don't have to go through this alone. Talk to family members or friends who also knew your mom or child (or those who you are closest to if not many people met them) and share memories or stories. You could also consider joining a grief support group, where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. We have a list on our resource page that can help you identify some appropriate groups. Sometimes, just talking about your feelings and having someone to listen can make all the difference.
It's also, most important in my opinion, to acknowledge that it's okay to feel sad and to grieve on Mother's Day. You don't have to pretend that everything is okay or force yourself to be happy. It's okay to take some time for yourself to feel your emotions and process your grief. You could write in a grief journal, create art, take a walk outside to connect with nature or, honestly, if it’s easier, sleep the day away. This was always my preference because it allowed me to avoid all of the happy social media posts on Mother’s Day.
Finally, it's important to remember that your loved one’s legacy lives on through you. You can honor them by carrying on the things they taught you, by sharing their stories with future generations, and by living a life that would make them proud. You can also consider doing something in her memory, such as making a donation to a charity they supported or worked directly with them or volunteering for a cause that was important to you.
Grieving on Mother's Day is a difficult process, but it's important to take the time to honor your mother or child’s memory, reach out for support, acknowledge your feelings, and remember their legacy. By doing so, you can navigate this difficult day with love and compassion, and keep their memory alive in your heart.
My goal is to: empathize, encourage and empower you as you move through grief at your own pace. I would be so honoured to be your companion and support you on this journey.
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