05/12/2024
(Mom and I, at 16 months)
My mom transitioned from this earth on Mother’s Day in 2007, so today feels complicated. It has for a LONG time.
I want to acknowledge the many different ways that people experience Mother’s Day. The day might be complicated, unusual, or downright painful.
This year, this message feels especially true with the very recent loss of my dad.
Loss is on the brain, and I’m especially grateful for people and companies who remember that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day aren’t one-size-fits-all holidays.
In fact, they couldn’t be further from it.
And the people in this community—you all—know this. You’re compassionate, nuanced thinkers who bring empathy into your work lives and home lives. In fact, you may very well have your own difficult or atypical experiences with Mother’s and Father’s Day, childhood, or parenthood.
This Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day too), let’s remember and acknowledge:
🌷The people whose parents have passed away.
🌷The people who are not in contact with their parents by choice.
🌷The people whose parents aren’t speaking to them.
🌷The people who grew up without a mom, dad, or both.
🌷The parents whose child has passed away.
🌷The people who want to be parents and are currently trying to get pregnant.
🌷The people who wish they could be parents, but can’t be for any reason.
🌷The people who have chosen not to have kids, but are part of the village that cares for them.
🌷The people who are stepmoms and bonus parents.
🌷The people who are pet parents.
…and more. This is an incomplete list—because I believe that MOST of us don’t experience the Hallmark version of these holidays. Unusual dynamics, sadness, and discomfort are so much more normal than we think. That doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate, but I want to always make sure I put acknowledgement and validation front and center as well.
Whether you celebrate or not, this Mother’s Day, I celebrate you. I acknowledge you. I see you. And I hope you feel seen by those around you.