International Bereaved Mother’s Day
May 3, 2024 — Laura House
Before 2016, I always looked forward to Mother’s Day. When the kids were young, there were precious handmade cards, potted petunias in styrofoam coffee cups from Sunday School, and whispers of secrets of gifts that would be given to me at lunch after church.
As the kids got older, Mother’s Day turned into an even more meaningful day, as my grown children jotted notes and made phone calls to let me know that they appreciated and loved me.
Then Nathan died.
Mother’s Day became a time of painful memories and missing one of the children who had brought so much meaning to motherhood. Raising three children was the delight of my life.
Several years down the road of grief, I can enjoy Mother’s Day again. The memories might be bittersweet at times, but I love remembering the special times. The sting of Mother’s Day is gone.
But for many, many mothers around all of us, the day still brings so much pain.
Have you ever heard of International Bereaved Mother’s Day? That was a new one to me until just a few years ago. The day is observed this year on Sunday, May 5, and it’s a time to honor mothers and remember their children who have gone on ahead. The day is always observed one week before the traditional Mother’s Day.
Why is this day important? That likely stands without a need for explanation. Having a day ahead of time to remember our children who no longer reside on earth acknowledges the importance of their lives, and acknowledges the pain of missing them.
Do you know a bereaved mom? If so, please reach out to her this Sunday. Let her know that you remember. Say her child’s name. Send a text, card, or flowers. Your kindness will never be forgotten. And when Mother’s Day rolls around the following week, acknowledge the difficulty the day likely brings.
If you are a bereaved mother or grandmother, I invite you to join a special Zoom conversation on Monday, May 6, where we’ll talk about preparing for Mother’s Day. You’ll find more information here.
