As we approach Mother’s Day, there will be many mothers grieving the loss of their children and daughters grieving the loss of their mothers. Even though many of us still have children on this side of Heaven, for which we are so very grateful, it doesn’t eliminate the fact that experiencing loss forever changes us.
Countless friends and family members want us to return to being the light-hearted, fun-loving people we used to be. Unfortunately, that is often not possible and can be a hard pill to swallow for those close to us.
If you have lost a child, it is a sorrow like no other, and experiencing this type of loss forever changes us. I’ll never be the woman I was before Melanie died. When I look at pictures, I notice a distinct difference in my overall countenance from before and after. Have any of you seen this in your photos as well?
Although I will miss my girl, this doesn’t mean I won’t celebrate Mother’s Day because I will. My boys have already made plans to take me to brunch at a favorite restaurant, and I will enjoy the time we will have together as a family. I will hold tightly to each wonderful moment since we never know what tomorrow will bring. Even though we will make new memories, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a place in my heart where I’ll miss Melanie. Her absence follows me wherever I go.
Speaking as a mother who has buried a child, there is no way my heart and mind can be the same as it was before my daughter died. Loss forever changes us and the essence of who we are. I believe that goes for all loss – spousal, sibling, and even close friends who are oftentimes just like family. I will hold all of you closely within my heart, lifting you up and praying comfort will surround you as this holiday approaches.
I know I’ve shared this before, but I believe it’s worth sharing again. Whenever I hear Toby Mac’s song Faithfully, the words resonate strongly within me. I hope you take a moment to listen at the end, and may it touch your heart as it does mine. God will hold us tenderly in His care as we continue walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
Life was so good
I’m not so sure we knew what we had
I’ll never be the same man
I’ll never feel like I felt before
It’s been a hard year, it almost took me down
But when my world broke into pieces
You were there faithfully
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You made a way for me
I may never be the same man
But I’m a man who still believes
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You were there faithfully
Beautiful song!! Could be mylife story.
💜🫂💜