Years ago, I completely forgot it was Mother’s Day. However, since I call my mother so often, I happened to call her that day as well.
We talked for about 20 minutes, and when I was about to hang up, my mom said, “Would you like to wish me a happy Mother’s Day?” said. Like a deer in headlights, I was completely caught off guard and replied, “Mom, I’m sorry! I can’t believe I forgot.”
Now, some mothers would be insulted, hurt or angry. My mother? Here’s what he said: “I’m sorry! Your call is even better. You called me because you wanted to talk to me, not a forced holiday call.”
I will never forget it. It was a very important lesson.
What happens in life is more important than what we think is happening or “the story we tell ourselves”. And when it came to my relationship with my mother, I could always count on her to give me the benefit of the doubt. His lenses were pink. The feeling was mutual. My mom was the best.
Some mothers and older children are not so lucky. For various reasons, parental alienation is very common these days. Regardless of the reasons for the cuts, holidays like Mother’s Day can be painful for both.
But as I sit here and think about the menu for tomorrow’s Mother’s Day brunch, I begin to feel bad for all the moms out there who have lost their children and often their grandchildren’s lives.
When a loss occurs due to the death of a loved one, friends and family members stick together, support and hug each other. But when loss occurs through painful and often fatal withdrawal, who is there to comfort her? sadness?
Sometimes people get depressed every year when a loved one dies. Therapists call it the “Anniversary Blues.” People said that even though they had lost sight of the fact that the anniversary was fast approaching, during that time they felt somehow in the dumps “for no reason”. Here are some powerful subtle reminders.
There’s nothing subtle about Mother’s Day reminders. Shops are overflowing with flowers and cards, endless commercials on TV and happy family reunions – for everyone. Mother’s Day is the dream of many when the grown-up children are separated from each other.
If you’re more than just a grieving mom who wants to be a family again, here’s to you. You may not have been a perfect mother; none of us are. Do something good for yourself. Respect yourself tomorrow. Focus on the good things in your life. Surround yourself with people who love you. I’ll raise you half a glass. Hello.
