The Gathering: Tears on the Rose Petals

Happy, Sunday, Happy Mother’s Day, and welcome to The Gathering.

Today is a significant day for so many people. No matter what anyone’s situation looks like today, we all have a mother. Whether she’s the one who birthed you, the one who took you in as her own, or the one who was just always there. We all have important women in our lives, and to all of them I love you. But this mother’s day gathering is dedicated to all of the women out there, who today is not easy for.

For those who are mourning the loss of their mother, and the wounds are still fresh and time seems like it has moved to this day too fast when it should have stood still. I know that loss hurts; I know that it doesn’t even feel real. Our relationships with our mother’s are not always easy, the one’s who raise us are not always perfect beings, but they are always a part of us.

Those who are having trouble conceiving or who can’t and who want desperately to be a mother. Who have moments all the time where you think about what you’d say to your child in times of trouble and growth, how you’d explain this crazy life to them. Who’ve had all of the conversations and mom talks, but only in their minds. Who can’t watch tv because the commercials make them cry and whose periods now feel like a punishment or a failure. You are not alone and your journey is not over.

For those moms who have lost a child and today only feels like a bitter reminder of all you’ve lost. I hear you. I see you. What you’re going through matters.

Today is not all sunshine and flower arrangements for everyone, but you are not in this alone. Don’t let what this day represents hurt you more. Feel it, sure. Feel it hard. But know that tomorrow, next week, next year is not here yet and that while you’re going through this now, it won’t feel like this forever even if a part of you wants it to right now, or doesn’t believe me. Stay on the bathroom floor for as long as you have to today, but don’t live there. You were not meant to live on the floor.

If it is too painful for you today to think of today as mother’s day. Then, don’t. Today is still Sunday and it is still early. Make today the best you can for you and for someone else. No matter what that looks like.

Happy Mother’s Day to all women and to all men.

#TheGathering