Mothers Day a time of thanking our Mothers, Aunts, Grandmothers, Great Grandmothers those who are important women in our lives. The ones who have raised us, shaped us, helped us become the women we are today and the Mothers that we have become for our children. It’s a time of celebrating and thanking them for all they have done and do by continuing there love and support for each of us in our own lives.

God has blessed me repeatedly both in my own personal life and family but also with friends some of the most amazing and awesome women who have faith and compassion like few others. They are all mothers of special children. Children that suffer from Epilepsy, Lupus, mitochondrial, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Diabetes, Cancer and a host of other healthcare challenges but what they have given me and all of the special Mommy’s out there is unconditional love.

These women will no doubt receive rewards in heaven because of the many sacrifices they have made over the years of raising their families. They are patient, committed, loyal, genuine even when being a mom is always a challenge but  most certainly a great honor and a privilege as well.

As Mothers of children with special needs we have to see our child teased or treated badly. We have also had to make the big decisions about where our child will best be able to develop how will they live and where, how do we help them to become as self-sufficient as possible.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“God has a plan,” my special friend told me. “God indeed has a plan for me and I will trust in Him.”

I encourage you to reach out to give an encouraging word to the Mom in your life who has been given a special child from God.

Dear Lord, You have given us the task of raising special children, helping those in need that have special children. Thank You for giving me  these moms as friends in my life to help share hope and a build a future for our children.

Amen

Mother’s Day can also be difficult for those that either have no children or have suffered the loss of a child but yet they still need to be honored and loved because they too are important to remember and acknowledge why because they are someones Mother and or like a Mother to a child in need.

So as Mother’s Day comes this year, I’d like to share a few thoughts with you based on my own personal experiences:

Welcome Ones Emotions: If Mother’s Day is difficult for you then give yourself permission to grieve. It’s a natural feeling and it helps you to see what is happening or going on in your life, it’s a way of telling that you have lost something so very special someone who meant the world to you. Some who have no children grieve also they are in their own way saddened that they get to miss out on what having a child is truly like. It’s OK to feel.

From a christian standpoint Jesus often felt sad, grieved. Sometimes we just need to help others understand us and our own personal sadness. When those around us often say things to us  such as “At least your loved one is in a better place now.” They are often really trying to tell us, “People care we want you to feel better.  Sometimes we need to let those people around us know what we really need is for someone to just be there and listen.

Find Support: Sometimes we just want to be left alone to experience our emotions but I can honestly tell you that there is nothing like having a really good support system. Support comes in many ways

Close friends and family can walk through this time with you. But we must not think that they would know you need their comfort. Unless they have walked in your shoes, they don’t have any idea what it’s truly like. We must not ever be too afraid to call let them know what it is exactly that one needs. It’s not interfering they probably want to help but don’t know what to do or how to ask you for it.

Family members and close friends can become weary at times, so it’s very helpful to have other support. Counselors and therapists are wonderful as they are trained for this, support groups are also a wonderful resource as they can help those that have already been on this journey for a while but also guide the ones that are new to this journey they are now experiencing.

Our biggest and most faithful supporter will always be God. It may not feel as if that is a true statement during the time of a loss as  you may be angry at God, disappointed in him, or feel as if you don’t have any faith left at all. That’s a very normal feeling and way of thinking when one is grieving and many people in history have experienced similar feelings. God understands that we are hurt. It’s okay to bring all of  our anger and feelings the emotions to him. If your grief and mourning turns into withdrawing and isolating yourselves from others, cutting off relationships, have no desire to be with other people, and are spending much more time alone than usual, it may be a sign that you’re experiencing depression and you most definitely need to discuss with your Physician.

Heal Thyself : Healing only comes when we acknowledge and embrace our losses. The things you decide are up to you and what your personality is but also the kind of loss you’re experiencing. If you lost a parent or grandparent you might write them a letter. If you lost a child, you might donate to an organization centered around children and or in support of the organizations that have to do with the cause of their unfortunate passing all done in their honor. Living and experiencing grief is part of the healing process or journey.

You can also just do something nice for yourself. Going to restaurants with a friend or spouse, taking long walks to enjoy nature or a nice hot bubble bath. By making time in the day for you and getting through grief it is taking care of you that is essential.

Always Have Hope: Choosing to see and  choosing hope makes a difference. God sees each one of us, hears each one of us, cares for each one of us and knows how many cares we have within our hearts. Whatever you’re experiencing this Mother’s Day, you’re not alone. King David, a man who experienced many losses in his life, expressed in Psalm 34:18 NIV, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

May God shower you with his choicest blessings always and forever and may this Mothers Day be filled with his  love, peace and comfort and much Joy for you are the greatest blessings and gift that your children could ever want or need. If I can offer any peace or comfort to Moms that are saddened this weekend as its so hard words never come easy and people really do not know what to say I can offer you this as I believe in my heart for this to be true.

Always remember the good times, their were many, always remember they loved you, they did, always remember their infectious smile, its in your heart beating. Remember that even though they no longer can be physically with us they have never left us, they are in our hearts and soul, when you look up to the heavens at night and you see the brightest star sparkling like diamonds in the sky that is your child winking at you saying “Hey Mommy don’t worry I am doing great, you taught me that” when you see a rainbow after a storm that is your child telling you “Thank you Mommy for calming my fears and keeping me safe for seeing the beauty in me through my eyes”  When you hear the rain that is your child telling you “Hey Mommy don’t cry you gave me the best of everything, you gave me the best thing a child ever needed a family” celebrate their life for there is much for you to celebrate and know that one day you will see them again and what an occasion that will be.

From my family to your family we wish you a truly wonderful and happiest of Mothers Day with your Moms!