Mother’s Day will always hold a certain tension for me. On Mother’s Day 2023, my family and I said our final goodbyes to Mom. It seemed fitting to have her funeral on “her” day. We even displayed the Mother’s Day cards each of us children had purchased for her, never dreaming she wouldn’t get to see them.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Amid Loss

The death of a mother is often one of the deepest losses in someone’s life. It leaves a gaping hole. Children naturally feel a special tenderness toward their mothers. In a healthy relationship, she was the first to love us. She nurtured us and never stopped cheering for us. Her love provided a security that was ripped away when she died.

From that day forward, those special days set aside to celebrate her will never be the same. How can they be? But that doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t still celebrate them. I think it’s important to continue to do so. It’s a way to keep her memory alive, honor the legacy she left, and give thanks for her life.

Keep Mom’s Memory Alive

At first, it may be difficult to remember those special times you spent with your mom. Looking at family pictures, listening to musicians she loved, and doing activities she enjoyed bring fresh waves of grief.  Although the tears may come, it is important to keep her memory alive by talking about her with family and friends. We want others to know how special she was to us. Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to tell them.

Honor Mom’s Legacy

Many of our mothers left a meaningful legacy of love, faith, and/or service. Commemorating those days that honor her life also honors her legacy. It keeps her impact alive, extending it to the next generation. When we remember our late mother as we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are saying she made a difference.

Give Thanks for Mom’s Life

God created mothers to be one of our most precious gifts. (I’m sorry if that’s not the case for you.) Remembering and celebrating her life on special days like Mother’s Day is a way of thanking the Lord for her.

This year, no matter how fresh your mother-loss is, be intentional about remembering your mom on Mother’s Day. In doing so, you’ll be keeping her memory alive, honoring her legacy, and giving thanks for the gift she was to you.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Amid Loss

At times, remembering Mom still produces tears. I loved her dearly, and I miss her dearly. And that’s okay. Far worse would be forgetting her.

So, this year I’ll once again celebrate Mother’s Day without Mom, not only in gratitude for my motherhood journey, for having a godly mother-in-law, and for the wonderful news that my two daughters-in-law will soon know the joy of motherhood, but also for my mother.  She may no longer be with us, but her life is, and always will be, worth remembering and celebrating. And one day we’ll be reunited again in heaven. What a joyous reunion that will be.

Reflections: In the comments, share one special memory of your mother, whether she’s still on earth or has died. If your mother is still alive, don’t take that for granted. How will you celebrate Mother’s Day?

First Anniversary Giveaway for Sometimes I Forget

In honor of the first anniversary of the release of Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, I am hosting a giveaway. It runs through May 14, and there will be 3 winners. It’s super simple to enter, so don’t miss your chance to win some fun prizes. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

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