When Mother’s Day Hurts

It’s about that time for Mother’s Day
And I find myself in thought
Of others, of me, and of the hurt
Of what this day has brought

Mother’s Day hurts for her
For her it’s a day of pain
The one who called her Mom is dead
And she’s reminded all over again

Mother’s Day hurts for him
For him it’s a day of pain
The one whom he called Mom is dead
And he’s reminded all over again

Mother’s Day sometimes hurts for me
For me it’s a day of some pain
For I never had someone know me as Mom
And each year, I’m reminded again

What do I do when this day comes
And I’m met with fallen tears
For some it’s not “Happy Mother’s Day” 
And it hasn’t been in years

For me, I’m not a mother
I never had a girl or boy
But I still have my mother with me
And I still have reason for joy

So each year as this day arrives
I spend it with my Mom
And, if I can, I share her with others
Until the day is done

I want to pass along a hug
If Mother's Day hurts for you
If that day only gives you pain
Then this is something that you might do

When this day rolls around each year
Find a mother somewhere to love
Share some time and words with her
And thank her with a hug

Or maybe there is a child 
That needs a hug from a mom
Maybe that is in you to give
To pass along your love

When Mother’s Day hurts for you
Please don’t let it end in your sorrow
Find someone to share some joy with
And give them a brighter tomorrow





Poet's Note: 

It is May 13, 2019 and it is the day after Mother's Day.  A lot of emotion is wrapped up in this one, and it came out as I tried reading the poem to my Mom.  

Yesterday, Mom and I spent the day at our former high school in rural Saskatchewan for the annual graduation celebration (which traditionally lands every year on Mother's Day).  We didn't know anyone graduating, but we were "in the neighbourhood", so we spend the morning and afternoon there. We watched the grads walk on stage and be acknowledged for all their hard work.  And then they walked off the stage and were given a red rose to give to their Mom.  I remembered my graduation on Mother's Day, 1987 and the moment I walked down those steps with a red rose and went to give it to my Mom.  So I chose that picture today, because that was one of my most joyous Mother's days and I have photographic evidence of it!!! 

Yesterday, after our visit to our high school, we drove to my cousin's place and I was able to share my mom with two of my cousins who were missing their mom on Mother's Day. 

I understand how days like Mother's Day can hurt and when I thinking of those who will be shedding tears, that goes right to my heart.  And that is where this poem comes from.  

Edited April 26, 2024.. Five years ago I wrote this poem.  Five years later, my mom and I plan to go back to our high school and spend a part of Mother's day together there.  It will be Mom's first mother's day without the one who made her a mother.  This poem rings true again.