Yesterday was Mother’s Day. The above picture was one of the handmade gifts from my 9 (almost 10) year old. Even though our days go on much more normally (post cancer),  it’s obviously still prominent in his mind. It will have a lasting impact on his life, but my hope is that he will remember how I fought … and how my faith and family helped me through. 

I remember a Mother’s Day several years ago, when I was still in school. Our pastor talked about how it wasn’t necessarily a happy day for everyone. At the time, I couldn’t understand that. We made Mother’s Day gifts, did something special for mom and probably saw a grandma or two. What’s not to love? Little did I know that years later I would understand what she meant & her words would resonate in my mind. You see, there were several Mother’s Days that I spent in tears. I vividly remember having to leave a church service on Mothers Day because it was Mothers Day AND they were doing a baptism – double whammy. Although I currently have two wonderful boys, it took us a while to get them. We struggled with infertility for years. It’s something that’s not talked about much. People whisper about infertility (and miscarriage) like it’s something to be ashamed of, and it’s not. The experience made me appreciate my kids more than I ever imagined. I think that I (we) went through this experience so that I could possibly help others. Over the years, after losing my grandmothers, I also realized that people have lost their mothers and Mother’s Day is hard for them too. Moms who have lost kids must have an unimaginably hard day. I can’t begin to wrap my head around that so I won’t pretend to understand.

This past Mother’s Day was spent at the lake with some of my family. Although the day was mundane to some – we painted a cabin & the boys fished … we were together. My husband apologized to my mom for her painting on Mother’s Day, but I knew she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She got to see 2 of her daughters, a son-in-law, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons and her great granddaughter. We were together on a beautiful Minnesota spring day. She didn’t care what we were doing or what we ate. What a blessing. 

My boys woke up extra early to get some fishing in before the painting started. Myles, the youngest, came into my room at 6:30 am. “Mom, I know it’s Mother’s Day, but they’re really hammering the crappies at the bridge. Can we go get some minnows?” I agreed, and we went in to town to get some bait. The smiles on their faces were worth the lack of sleep. Record setting fish in their books. 

So, if your Mother’s Day was spent with your mom or your kids, then I hope it was great. If you’re missing your mom, I hope you have comforting, loving memories to hold on to. If you are wishing for kids but cannot have them, or have lost a child, I hope you are able to find the support and love that you need. 

Peace be with you on your journey of enough.