Today is Mother’s Day, and I would hazard a guess that someone reading this is hurting on this day.  Some may be celebrating their children or their mothers and wondering why they still have lingering pain, and some may be sitting alone, binge watching Netflix.  Houston Family Counseling has written a Mother’s Day card for some of you who might be hurting.

To the woman whose mom is gone:  I see you.  I see you wishing you could wander through the card aisle at Target, looking for the perfect sentiment again.  I see you recalling her face, and wishing you could tell her that you love her.  It’s OK to grieve, still.  Whether your relationship was always close, or rarely, she was part of your life earlier than anyone else on this earth.  Her’s is the most profound loss you’ve experienced.  Your feelings are part of being human.  They simply mean that you are real.

To the woman who so desperately wants children, and has not been able to have any:  I know you want to be celebrating your own motherhood today.  I know you’ve looked at far too many negative pregnancy test sticks, and that the disappointment is hard to bear.  “Why,” you ask, “is having something so many other have so difficult for me?”  I don’t know, dear girl, but I do know that your longing to nurture someone who needs you so much means you have a heart full of love. I hope that others around you see that and celebrate it – today and all days.

To the woman who has lost a baby: You gave all of yourself – your whole being – body and soul, and now have empty arms.  I am so sorry.  I know that this grief extends years beyond the time anyone acknowledges or even remembers your loss.    I wish you comfort and peace today.

To the woman who has lost a child: This is not the natural order of things.  This is not something for which you ever could have planned.  You weren’t made to suffer this kind of pain.  We celebrate your motherhood today, for you are a mother, and forever more will be.  This loss is not your fault.  You mothered well.  You, like all mothers, gave all that you had within you to give.

To the single moms:  We celebrate you; we applaud you.  We are sending you virtual hugs, flowers, and chocolate covered strawberries.  You.  Are.  Enough.  We wish you a day full of fond memories, loud children, and love.