Mother's Day

This morning as I was putzing around, getting our house back in order after our wonderful friends from out-of-state left from our weekend together, my thoughts turned to a Mother's Day 5 years ago. The day came less than 3 months after I had delivered our little girl, Hope, who had grown in my womb and also left this earth in my womb. A month or so later, I became pregnant again, but at 5 weeks, miscarried. I could not ignore the fact that it was Mother's Day, but it was bittersweet. Bitter because of what was never realized. Sweet, because I had a mother worth celebrating, whose encouragement and love had made the valley I was walking a little bit more bearable.

This picture was captured on Christmas Day with hope in my heart (we had no idea of the troublesome issues) and, as we came to find out later, Hope in my womb.

Today I want to recognize the women who are mother's, but

...have no visable proof of it.

...whose arms are so achingly empty.

...who have the unfairness of life slapped across their beings, when they see the 15 year old mother at the grocery store, carrying around her baby like a rag doll.

...whose hearts drop a thousand miles when they hear yet another happy announcement from their friend/co-worker/sister/acquaintance that they are expecting.

...whose disappointment runs far deeper with pain sharper than the average woman who realizes it's the first day of her monthly period.

...who has to be far more gracious than she feels she has the strength to be when well meaning people (when they actually choose to acknowledge the loss) say things like "Well, your baby is in a better place". (No kidding. BUT I WANT HER HERE!!!!!).

...who, if she had a baby who she birthed and knew by name, that her child would be verbally recognized by those she knows and loves. Just because a child is not physically here, does not mean they should be forgotten. If she could say, she would plead "Please remember". I'll never forget the card I received from my mom on Mother's Day that year. She wrote "Hope will always be a special part of our family."

She was remembered. By name.

And today, if I personally know you-a mother who has known loss of any kind, you are being prayed for by name. If I do not, please feel free to email/comment and share your story. Your experience is important to me, and I honor the role of mother you have carried out even in the pain.

If you know of someone today, do not be afraid of the tears that may come by approaching and acknowledging the little life whose earthly presence is missed more than you can know. Those tears are healing, and your simple mention of their tiny soul can water a mother's hurting heart.

One more thing:

For those of us who have to wait for the other side of Heaven to hold our little loves, let me tell you what I firmly believe: Having their arms around our necks in a place that is vibrantly colorful in it's perfection on every level will make even the best Mother's Day on this side of Heaven look like a bland shade of beige.

Just wait....(and I am so deeply sorry that you have to), the BEST is yet to come.