Mother’s Day is drawing near for another year. It’s a day set aside to honour our mums, and the connection and love between mothers and their children.
This day can be painfully difficult and distressing for people who have lost their mother (or grandmother), or for mothers who have lost children. The agony of losing a loved one can be unbearable, and on a day that is supposed to be about family and love, the absence of that person can feel especially gut wrenching and raw.
The loss of a child
Mother’s Day is one of the hardest days for a lot of mothers worldwide. It’s also a day to honour women who, because of infertility or other medical issues, are unable to become mothers. It can be an especially heartbreaking reminder of what has been lost for mothers who have lost a child.
It’s a day meant to honour the love between a mother and her child, but for those who have lost a child, that bond has been permanently changed. A day to remember the love and joy their child brought into their life and into the world, but also to mourn their loss.
Despite the pain, it’s important for mums who have lost a child to take solace in the memories, and to honour and recognize their love and connectionand that can never truly be broken.
Honouring our loved ones
Honoring our mothers and children on Mother’s Day, even in absence, is an important way to keep their memory alive and remember the impact that they’ve had on our lives. While they may no longer be physically present, their love and influence continue to shape who we are and the choices we make. It’s a time to reflect on the memories and experiences we shared with our loved ones, and to find comfort in the ways in which they continue to live on through us.
I can personally relate to the complexity of feelings that can surface on Mother’s Day. It’s years since my mum passed away, and I still experience a range of feelings on this day. It’s usually a day of introspection, recalling fond memories we shared together and reminiscing through precious photographs of happy times together. And also a day of thanksgiving, melancholy, and longing.
The pain of grief is never easy, and it can be especially challenging on a day that’s meant to be joyful. But it’s important to remember that grief is a natural and normal part of the human experience. It’s a reflection of the love and connection we have with those who have passed on. We may find comfort and solace in the memories and relationships we shared with our loved ones by observing some rituals on Mother’s Day.
Rituals for Mothers Day
Rituals help us to connect with our emotions and with others who are grieving. They provide a shared experience that can bring people together, and that helps to validate our feelings and experiences. When we practice rituals, we are acknowledging the reality of our loss, and we are expressing our emotions in a way that is meaningful and cathartic.
As well, rituals can provide a way to remember and honor our loved ones who have passed away. They can be a way to keep their memory alive, and to celebrate their life and legacy. By practicing rituals, we are affirming the value and importance of the person who has passed away, and we are are creating a lasting tribute to their life and impact.
On Mother’s Day, rituals can take many forms. Whatever the ritual, the important thing is that it is meaningful and cathartic for the person who is grieving.
Here are some rituals that can be practiced to honor and celebrate Mother’s Day:
- # Plant a garden: Planting a garden in honor of your loved one can be a beautiful way to remember them on Mother’s Day. You can choose their favorite flowers or plants, or even dedicate the garden to them by adding a plaque or sign.
- # Cook a special meal:
- Cooking a special meal that was a their favorite can be a great way to honor them on Mother’s Day. You can also invite family and friends over to share the meal, and share stories and memories about your loved one.
- # Write a letter: Writing a letter to your loved one, whether they are still with us or have passed away, can be a meaningful way to express your love and appreciation for them. You can share memories, express gratitude, or simply let them know how much they mean to you.
- # Take a nature walk: Taking a nature walk can be a soothing and peaceful way to remember them on Mother’s Day. You can choose a trail that they enjoyed, or simply spend time in a natural setting that holds special meaning for you.
Wrapping up
For me personally , Mother’s Day has become a time of reflection and gratitude. I am now able to fondly remember my mum with more love than pain, and I will always carry her in the mended cracks of my broken heart.
It a day for me to remember the love and guidance she gave me and the many ways that she shaped me into the person I am today.
It’s a time to be grateful for everyhting she did for me and for the time we had together, even if it was cut short. And it’s a time to recognize that her love and influence continue to shape my life, even in her absence.
Regardless of the type of loss, grief is a complex and often isolating experience. It’s important to remember that there is no “right” way to grieve, and that everyone’s experience is unique. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions on Mother’s Day, and to choose to celebrate the day in your own way that is best for you.
If you’re struggling with grief on Mother’s Day, please reach out to me here for a confidential chat. And if you know someone who is grieving, simply reaching out and letting them know that you’re there for them can make a world of difference.
Much love and fond remembrance to the special people you will remember on Mothers Day. 🧡🧡
Till next time
Much love♡
Ally
