It used to be, this was a simple holiday to show appreciation for someone important in our lives. We told our mothers we loved them, we bought them flowers and took them out to dinner, gave them gifts. Nothing wrong with that, because there isn't.
Nowadays, we're more ready to admit that it isn't always so cut and dried. Some of us no longer have our mothers around, and the day is a painful reminder of how much we miss her. Some of us have been badly hurt by our mothers, and there are little to no fond memories to visit, no inclination to contact someone we don't feel safe around and tell her nice things. Some of us badly wish to be mothers, yet our arms remain empty, and seeing other women surrounded by their children is a painful reminder of what we don't have, wondering why we are left out.
Like many things in life, there are no easy answers. I don't know why some people lose their mothers early or in especially painful ways, why some mothers are so angry and selfish and take it out on their own family, why some women who would make excellent mothers are denied the chance. I don't know. No words would be able to magically fix it all, or at least I don't know them. What I want to say is, no matter where you are on this spectrum, I hope you know that you are seen and loved right where you are. You can always reach out to chat.
Maybe everything has gone well for you and this is a happy day, in which case I give you my well wishes! Have a blessed day and enjoy your loved ones!
Wherever you are, whether you spend the day quietly or with fanfare, whether you have children or fur babies or both or none, whether you were treated with love or treated like a burden, know that you are loved and valuable regardless of your situation. And don't forget to tell others too. We can always choose to make others feel loved, whether we are mothers or simply mentors. A wise woman takes the opportunity wherever she finds it, and leaves a lasting legacy.
May this day find you at peace.
-Annalisa
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