Experiencing Mother's Day

As we enter Mother’s Day 2021, Teresa and I are celebrating with grown children and grandchildren in our lives. In addition, we are both blessed with other children who refer to us as their second mom. We are truly grateful for all of our children and grandchildren. Like most, we pray for the safety, happiness and success for all of them.

Teresa and I are truly enjoying the grandparent stage as many do. Even though we miss our spouses and wish that they could enjoy this stage of our lives, we would like to focus on some of the joys that the grandchildren bring to our lives.

We realize that Mother’s Day may bring a variety of emotions. You may be grieving your mother or the loss of sharing the day with your spouse. You may be celebrating your mom and feeling thankful to have her in your life. You might be celebrating your grown children who now have children. You may be a mix of emotions. That is all normal. 

Whatever the day brings to you, please take a moment to celebrate yourself as a mom (if you are a mom). You deserve to take some time for yourself and take care of you.   

Taking care of you ideas:

• Sleep in
• Eat the food you like
• Listen to your music
• Watch a movie
• Go get your nails or hair done
• Get a massage
• Take a bubble bath
• Walk in nature
• Exercise, do yoga
• Meditate/pray
• Buy yourself some flowers or garden
• Buy yourself a present or something you’ve been wanting for a while
• Do whatever makes you smile and feel good

Some thoughts from our experiences without our children’s fathers on Mothers Days:

• You aren’t going to screw up your kids.
• Choose how you want to spend the day - you get to do this for you.
• Love your kids where they are at in their grief.
• You’re doing the best you can.
• You are all going to get through it --together, as a family.
• This day may look a lot different than your original plan.
• Celebrate anyway.
• You are going to be fine.
• Sometimes good and sometimes not so much - that’s normal.
• Savor the little moments...the kids  grow up way too quickly.
• They are struggling as well and they are trying to accept the new way of things just as you are.
• Let others help and celebrate you. 
• If you need help, ask for it. If other’s offer, accept it if it feel right for you
• Feel how you feel and don’t try to stuff it. 

For those of you newly celebrating Mother’s day without your spouse here are some musings and support from us. 

For those of you who’s mother is no longer with you, here's a blog to support you.

We hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day. May you have love and peace on your special day.

Peace & Blessings to you,

Jeni & Teresa

PS: For additional support you can download our free copy of 10 Ways to Move Forward After Loss

In addition, we have recently completed Torn in Half: The First Days which focuses on the first days after a loss - available on Amazon.