It's often difficult to remember your mother and rejoice over your life as a mother at the same time. From nursery school on, we are trained to celebrate this holiday, first by making our parents cards out of construction paper and pipe cleaners, and later by buying them gifts. Our role as sons and daughters is clearly defined. And when we become parents, we also know what we're supposed to do: receive all the attention and smile!
But when my mom passed away when I was 25, before I was married and had children of my own, the holiday changed forever. The truth is, being a mom hasn't removed the part of me that was also a daughter, and sometimes Mother's Day is just a painful reminder of her absence. Remarkably, nearly 50 percent of moms and dads who took the Parentless Parents Survey for my new book "Parentless Parents" find themselves grieving more on Mother's Day than celebrating.
So what can you do to make Mother's Day less painful and a lot more joyful?
I think the best antidote is to honor your mother, despite her absence. And not just privately. Share your thoughts. Tell stories to your children. Take the time to cook a special dish that reminds you of your mom.
It's also important to connect with other parents who understand what you're going through. It's not automatic that your friends "get" what it's like to be a parentless parent, and sometimes not even your spouse understands, particularly if he hasn't lost a parent. "Parentless Parents" has a Group page on Facebook, and it's a great place to feel validated and supported and to exchange ideas.
Last, I think it's hugely important to take care of yourself. Don't wait for anyone to give you what you need. If you're having a tough Mother's Day, give yourself permission to take a step away from your family and do something just for you. Go for a walk. Get a massage. In essence, be a parent to yourself.
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quoted " The truth is, being a mom hasn't removed the part of me that was also a daughter, and sometimes Mother's Day is just a painful reminder of her absence"
It can be so hard as ppl just dont understand at times. Its been a hard week for me. Alot going on. When that happens I tend to think of my mom more. As i want to reach for the phone to call her.
Its almost like I have to remove myself from it. LIke you said take a walk. I went to the lake.
Nothing fustrates me more than when ppl expect me to be over it. It just isnt that easy.
My daughter understands the most. We had last night gone to a benefit. Sadly a elderly woman became ill there. The ambulance came.
Anyways when they removed her. My daughter very fast turned me around and told me not to look. She knew it would flash back me.
She knows what a hard time I have with this day. She knew that would be oh so worse.
Theres times I feel shes the only one who understands. I do know thou anyone with out their parents gets it.
I rambled here. Im sorry.
I miss my mom. I guess I dont want ppl to understand cause then they dont have thier mom. I dont wish that on anyone.
Thank god for my daughter.
We ignore Mother's Day in my family. My brother spoiled it (this is over thirty years ago) by making a fuss of it with flowers or chocolates (neither of which Mum wanted) and forgetting/ignoring her birthday. She was not impressed ...