Anniversaries and holidays are often hard for those grieving. Nowhere is that truer than on Mother’s Day. It doesn’t matter if it is the 1st or the 21st Mother’s Day without your mother, it often evokes strong emotions such as longing, yearning, sadness, loneliness, anger and despair.
When distance makes it harder
Living in France adds another layer. Mother’s Day here falls in May, not March — leaving you feeling even more alienated and separate from family and friends in the UK. Maybe your siblings and family over there are getting together. Talking about mum, cooking her favourite meal, crying and laughing together. You are happy for them but feel even more alone and isolated. Or maybe your relationship with your mother was complicated and Mother’s Day brings up conflicted feelings in you or a sense of regret that so much was never resolved.
Getting through the day
There is no replacement for your mother on Mother’s Day. Below are some things you might want to consider. And if all you want to do is get through the day — or ignore it altogether — that is entirely your choice. Whatever you do, be kind and gentle to yourself today. Mother yourself and perhaps you can thank your mum for teaching you how to do that…
Some activities you might want to think about doing:
Ignore the day
Focus on others
Focus on your mother’s memory
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