Mother’s Day

A friend asked me yesterday if Mother’s Day was a sad or hard time for me since I lost my mom (she was only 59 and died of alcoholism).  I thought I’d share my thoughts on this, since I know there are others out there who’ve lost their mama’s, too, and can probably relate to some degree. 

Yes, the day with its big obvious name and all, has a tendency to make me sad when I think about my loss.  My thoughts oscillate between romantic thoughts of what could have been, to what should have been, to what never would have been, to a question I’ve asked God so many times, “Why?!”.  My heart also aches thinking about the emotional and physical pain my mom must have experienced…enough to lose her life to addiction.

As I write this, I’m 12 years out and have learned that healing takes time, sadness never completely disappears, our journeys would never be as rich if the path were only paved with gold, nothing is wasted–unless we let it, and, most importantly, God is a good and loving God.

Then there’s Billy.

Mother’s Day, while having its sad parts, also happens to be one of my favorite days of the year because 20 years ago, I became Billy’s mama.  He’s been a source of joy to me since his first breath.  (I doubt he’s reading this, but, if so…mama loves you, Bills!!)

Now, let’s talk about a super special category which is comprised of women who deserve HUGE recognition on Mother’s Day.  They are step-moms, foster-moms, surrogate moms, classroom moms, orphanage-worker mamas, and women who may or may not have children of their own, but love on other people’s children as if they were their own.  Ladies, my heart fills with gratitude as I think of you on Mother’s Day.  You may not have birthed these babies, but your influence on their lives makes this world a better place.

With this being said, I’d like to recognize one of those super special people in my life.  “Mama Judy” has been in my life for nearly three decades and has loved me as if I were her real daughter.  That’s why I call her my “bonus mom.”  Thank you for loving me well, Mama Judy!

And finally, I offer a special prayer of peace and comfort for those precious mama’s out there who have lost a child.  I cannot imagine what you’ve been through, and I’m deeply sorry for your loss.

With a heart of sadness, gratitude, love, hope, and thanksgiving, all at the same time, here’s to honoring Mother’s Day for all that it stands for.

Jill xx

Have you lost a parent to alcohol or drug addiction?  I wrote an article that you might find helpful…click here to read.

And here’s a follow up article I wrote after receiving lots of feedback on the first article.  I hope this helps too.