Mother’s Day and the days surrounding it can be a difficult time for those who have lost their mothers, especially if it’s the first Mother’s Day without her. Seeing everyone celebrating and spending time with their moms can be emotional and distressing. However, even if your mother is no longer with you, there are still ways to celebrate and honor her this Mother’s Day.
Share memories and stories of your mom. Gather family, friends, and those close to your mom for a special celebration to share stories about her. Pull out old photos and tell stories that make you laugh, that make you cry, or that show just how extraordinary she was. It will be uplifting to hear everyone’s unique stories about your mom, especially those you haven’t heard before. And even if your mother is no longer here, you’ll still be able to make new memories in her honor.
Donate or volunteer to a special cause in her memory. If your mom had a favorite organization or charity, making a donation or volunteering for Mother’s Day is a great idea. Consider it a gift you can still give to her. Sometimes, helping others makes us feel better during a difficult time, so this is a way to both uplift your spirits and honor your mother.
Spend time with her or talk to her. If possible, visit your mother’s place of rest for reflection and communion. Bring flowers or something personal, spend some time there and tell her about what is going on in your life, or just sit in quiet reflection. If this is not possible, write a letter to your mom saying anything you wish you could tell her. It can be cathartic to open up and share your life with your mother, even if she is no longer here, physically.
Acknowledge your grief and be kind to yourself. Mother’s Day can be emotionally challenging when you have lost your mother, especially at first. Everyone grieves differently, and it’s important not to compare yourself and your emotions to others. It’s completely normal and understandable to be upset, and you may not even want to celebrate the day at all. Only you can read your emotions and know what’s best for you. Take it easy, be kind to yourself, and never do anything you don’t want to.
However you choose to celebrate, or not celebrate, is up to you. And, although Mother’s Day can be emotional, it’s important to look for small moments of joy, and small reminders of your mom. UpliftedCare has a strong support team of social workers, chaplains, volunteers, and a bereavement care team dedicated to helping you. Even after a loved one has passed, your UpliftedCare team is here to support the emotional needs of those left behind through grief and loss counseling, memorial services, and support groups. Our Messages to My Loved One: Family Support Group may be a great opportunity to help you remember your mom. Messages to our loved ones help us to experience comfort and stay connected. These messages help us to remember that those we love never truly leave us. There are memories we create that death cannot touch. Join our Family Support Group and learn to reflect on and express these memories in a creative way as you cope with your grief and loss. You will engage in stimulating activities that will aid you in identifying grief emotions, and also helpful coping strategies.
