Mother’s Day 2011

Mother’s Day has the potential to be a wonderful day of celebrating moms, but for many women, it can be a painful reminder of what should have been.  For me, the closest thing I had to experiencing a “normal” mother’s day was back in 2009 while I was pregnant with Andrew.  I remember very well being offered a flower along with all the other mothers, which was so nice.  Even though I know in my heart that motherhood begins with conception, it’s nice for the world to acknowledge that as well.  It was nice to be included that particular year, especially since that was the only Mother’s Day I would get to celebrate with him, even though he was still in my womb. 

Last year, we celebrated Mother’s Day up in Pittsburgh, PA while attending my cousin’s college graduation commencement.  It was sort of nice to be surrounded my family and avoid the normal festivities of the day.  While I was pregnant at the time with Savannah and some might think it would have made the day easier, the reality of Andrew’s absence was still heartbreaking.

This year’s Mother’s Day was extremely bittersweet, and I hesitate to even say that because I don’t mean to diminish the overwhelming gratitude in my heart to have Savannah with us this year!  We decided to have her dedicated on Mother’s Day, which was so very special.  On one hand, it was surreal to be standing in front of our church family formally dedicating our child to the Lord and committing to raising her according to scripture.  But on the other hand, I just couldn’t get the image of a little toddler running around out of my head.  In my mind, Andrew should have been up there with us.

The one thing I will say about my experience on bittersweet holidays (such as Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.) is that God’s grace is sufficient.  He always meets me where I am and reminds me of His goodness in the midst of it.  And in all honestly, if it weren’t for the hope of our heavenly family reunion, I don’t know if I could make it through them.  But, like I said, God’s grace is sufficient, and for that I am so thankful.  So, here are some pictures of my third mother’s day, but the first with one of our baby’s with us.  I couldn’t be more thankful!     

Someone is up and ready to go!

Pastor Guy saying a few words to us.

Proud Daddy

Pastor Guy praying with us.

We were given a certificate as well as a New Testament.

We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating the day with my family.  We opted for grilling out and just enjoying time together as a family.  God has been so good to us, so we always enjoy celebrating!

Although it was a joyful day for us overall, my heart was heavy for so many out there who struggle on days like this – for those who desire children so badly but haven’t been blessed with them yet, for those whose own mothers who are no longer with them, and for those mothers who have babies in heaven.  I’m sure there are many more scenarios that make this day difficult for many people and I just want to acknowlege them.  You are not forgotten and were not forgotten this year on Mother’s Day.