Mother's Day

Mother's Day.  A day that strikes absolute fear into IF women everywhere, particularly those that have lost a child or multiple children.  Mother's Day.  A day to celebrate Motherhood, where flowers are given, cards are created, chocolates consumed and lines for brunch can wrap down the side of the "best" places. Mother's Day.  A day where I have sat in the back of the sanctuary, tears rolling down my face as Moms stood to the count of the Pastor's numbers, in "games" of who has the most children, the most grandchildren.  A day where I couldn't stand up and acknowledge that I too am a Mother, without having a bunch of people look at me and ask when we were due. A day when I had to think of my cousin's aching heart at not having her Mother with her anymore, a day where I spent hours praying for my friends who were also, somehow, enduring the pain of this day.

This year is different.  I have a living child.  People expect me to want gifts, to want cards, to want chocolate and to want that big brunch.  A day to celebrate me.  For what?  For what achievement?  That my child lives?  This isn't an accomplishment...it's a miracle.  Only by the grace of God do I have this precious little one in my arms.

This year we are making plans with another couple that has a child the same age as Samantha, as well as tentative lunch plans with a couple that doesn't have children.  I am not sure; perhaps we could all get together, but I do know that this day will be so different than those of the past few years.  I do not feel completely into it, to be honest. I feel like I am faking it, that I will probably approach it as just another day.  I don't want to take away from celebrating Motherhood, but also don't want to be the one to cause pain for another.

This Mother's Day, dear friends, please feel free to celebrate if that's your thing.  But also, please keep those in mind that some may find this day very painful.  Those tear-filled eyes at the back of the church of a woman with empty arms, those anguished cries of those that have lost their Mothers.  Remember that even in our joy, we may cause others pain.  Remember to give them a hug, show them you care even if you don't totally understand.