I hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I had a very nice day, but I’ll get to that in just one minute. Gotta get a few things off my chest first. 🙂
I have to be honest and tell you that I had a pretty heavy heart the last week leading up to Mother’s Day. While Mother’s Day will always be incomplete for me on this side of heaven since the one who first made me a mother is no longer with us, my heart was heavy because I knew of some specific ladies who were hurting this year. My heart was so heavy for what they were going through because I know the pain and heartache of loss too.
I don’t know about any other baby loss mommy’s out there, but I count it as a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because my heart can really and truly empathize with those who have lost a baby. I may not be able to make the pain less, but I can at least try to carry some of their burden. I believe in some sacred way that God can supernaturally ease some of the heaviness of one’s own heart by people coming alongside and taking on some of the burden. Certainly, scripture is clear that God does that for us (Matthew. 11:28-30), but I believe we can also do it for one another (Galatians 6:2).
It’s a curse though because entering into someone else’s pain (even if just a little) is not easy. It’s weighty stuff. It’s forces me to relieve some of my own pain. So, it can be a double edged sword in that way, but I will say, if Andrew’s death has taught me to love and empathize with people better, then I know something good has come of it. His life and death were not in vain.
With all the being said, I’m also called to praise and give thanks! (I’m still learning how to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice concurrently – sometimes my heart has no clue what to do with all the emotion!)
This year, I have 2 precious children in my home and I could not be more humbled that God chose me to me their mother! Sometimes I wonder, what was He thinking??!! My day actually started the night before, when Kevin gave me some sweet treats to enjoy. He knows my love language – ha!
In all seriousness though, I do hope that your Mother’s Day was a sweet one.
If you were celebrating with your own Mom, I was celebrating with you.
If you were missing your Mom, I was thinking about you.
If your heart was aching for your child/ren in heaven, my heart was aching with you.
If you long to be a mother and it hasn’t happened for you yet, I remembered you.
And know that the Father in heaven was too.
I love that you are honoring those moms who have also lost a child….I don't think people think about that enough…that Mother's Day can feel both like a blessing and a curse. But the pis are adorable – even if they weren't cooperating like you would like! 🙂
I agree, Kristin! So many people get wrapped up in the celebration (which I totally understand) that they miss out on an opportunity to reach out to those who may be hurting as well. It's such a fine balance between celebrating but also being sensitive to others. As for the pictures, I figured they were true to what the day entailed and that we'd laugh about it later! I hope your day was a great one!
so, so sweet sarah. i agree and empathize with all you said and my heart can be heavy on mother's day too, since we struggled so much to have mollie. i clearly remember those years i longed to be a mother and how very badly i wanted to celebrate the holiday. i am so happy for your beautiful family. your empathy and kindness truly shows what an impact andrew has on your life. 🙂
Thank you, Erin! I remember you mentioning that to me about Mollie. (BTW, if you ever want to share, I'd love to hear more of that part of your story.) I know all babies are miracles, but I think those who struggle to conceive or those who have lost babies understand it even moreso! Even in the midst of the celebrating now that you have Mollie, I'm sure you remember vividly how you felt when you were on the other side. I guess you know what I mean by the blessing and a curse remark as well! I hope your day was filled with lots of good time with your girl!