A Special Mother's Day

Traditional Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans spent almost $32 billion in 2022 on this day – that’s a lot of brunches and flowers!! While many moms celebrate, some silently mourn the loss of their mother, their child, or a much-wished-for pregnancy that did not come to fruition.

International Bereaved Mother’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. It's a day to honor mothers who have lost a child and those who cannot be mothers due to infertility or other health reasons. If you know someone who has had a loss, risk feeling awkward and reach out. Offer a hug. Listen to their story and validate their experience. Refrain from giving pat advice. Say their child’s name. Remember special anniversaries. Check-in regularly, as grief does not have a timetable.

Dr. Alan Wolfelt is an author, grief counselor, and founder of the Center of Loss and Life Transition. He has written a series of books on loss, including Healing a Parent’s Grieving Heart that offer practical tips on how to survive this difficult time. These books would make an excellent gift for a bereaved mom on this day. Learn more at centerforloss.com.

 Photo by Taisiia Shestopal on Unsplash