Room for Grief & Joy!
Thank you Ruth for inspiring me to always look for the celebrations in life!
Join us and share your celebrations!
This week has been filled with much celebration. Leading up to another day of celebration, Mother's Day. I have been blessed with so much in my life! My job brings me joy and allows me the privilege to educate amazing young minds! Friends who know me, really know me, and love me anyway! A church where I really understand the words, "Church Family"! My beautiful puppy who snuggles with me and takes me on long walks!
And even with all of those blessings, Mother's Day is a hard day for me. I felt like I was born to be a mother. I love kids! I want to be a mom...but I'm not. I'm 43. Single. Not a mom. That's my reality. It has taken lots of tears and lots of prayers to find peace with my life. My faith reminds me that God has a plan for me and even though I don't know what it is, I work on believing that every single day.
This week was so busy at work, but I took some time to sit and write to my Pastor about my struggle with all of this. His words brought me so much comfort. He reminded me that in celebration, there's room for grief and tears, as well as joy and laughter. He heard my pain. He listened. That's all I wanted. On Sunday, celebrate mother's day! I will be celebrating with friends! Celebrate all of the wonderful moms that you know! Celebrate loud and joyously!! If I may ask, take a quiet moment and remember those who grieve. There's room for both.
I celebrate the amazing people who read my blog and support and love me! It's because of you, that I have the strength to write about this today.
Even mothers can have a hard time with Mother's Day. So full of expectation. Ugh! I am kind of down about it. Your ability to celebrate in the midst of disappointment inspires me.
ReplyDeleteRoom for grief and joy - what a beautiful sentiment! How wonderful that you have a pastor who will sit, listen, and offer wise words. I think it's great that you will be celebrating Mother's Day with friends! Remember you are a mother to all those students who love you. Some of them need your mothering immensely, and you can give them your all.
ReplyDeleteSomeone once told me that not having children does not lessen the love you can give to the world. I admire you for your daring to show vulnerability and being authentic. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteFor many reasons Mother's Day can be a painful time for people and not everyone realizes that. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that the day is not the same for all - that there is time to celebrate, but also time to remember those grieving. I'm so glad you are part of a wonderful church family and it sounds like you have a wise pastor too.
ReplyDeleteRoom for grief and joy - that just about sums it up. Those of us who were lucky enough to become moms - and trust me I know it is a miracle on many levels can still find this a hard holiday. We feel for those who are not and want to be - and we hope for more than the Hallmark infused day can ever offer. I hope you celebrate the day for what it is deep down at it's core: a wonderful spring day to celebrate the miracle of life - that YOU nurture and foster each and every day of the year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such an honest piece. Your pastor is right about grief and celebration and joy and making room for it all. I am thinking about you and others who struggle with today. I hope you have a good day with friends.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, in your sorrow there is joy so thank you for always wearing your heart on your sleeve. Your words courageously hit the page. Please remember that your students look up to you as their motherly guide each day who nurtures and cares for them. Enjoy your time with friends as you celebrate on Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteI feel your sorrow, Michelle, and am humbled (as always) by the honesty with which you live and write.
ReplyDeleteGreat title. The journey to get comfortable in our own skin is not for the faint of heart.
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