Happy for Moms

It’s an indescribable feeling when, for the first time in your life, you won’t celebrate Mother’s Day.

Millions of people know this feeling. Lots of them knew it earlier in life than I did. My Mom and I had a complicated relationship. I deliberately created distance between us for many years for my own survival. And I don’t regret that. I knew time would run out one day but for reasons I don’t wish to explain, I did what I had to do.

When Dad’s health began failing rapidly, and especially after she got sick, I closed the gap. It doesn’t matter what she’s like or what I’m like or how we were together. I’m her kid. She’s my Mom. Case closed.

But because I spent so much time with her in the last few years, staying over at her place and living with her for the last few weeks of her life, her departure last September left a huge void. I miss her so much. More than I ever imagined. It’s still painful. Every day.

So, I’ve said my piece and that’s about me. I’m not a Mom, for more complicated reasons to do with my personal plumbing and the cards I was dealt. But if you’re a Mom or you have a Mom, I see you, I respect you and I celebrate you. Revel in it. Absorb the love. Smell the flowers, eat the chocolate and let them love you! There will be a lot of sad people on Mother’s Day but diminishing your own happiness doesn’t lessen their sadness. So please don’t. We should celebrate all the moments we can while we can.

To everything there is a season. I had a long season with my Mom and I’m grateful for it. That season is now over. So I’ll stand back and observe the love for Moms and hope you get more than your share. Every phase of life is so fleeting. Don’t let a moment of joy pass you by. Happy Mother’s Day.