Thoughts on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day.

Bittersweet. 

For some, this day is a favorite, cozy blanket on a cold, wintry day as the experience of face-to-face time with a mom, a daughter, or a grandma warms the heart. Laughter enjoyed, memories replayed, appreciation expressed, and meals shared.  

Sweet.

For those facing their first Mother's Day without their mom, a daughter, or a grandma, this day might feel like lights suddenly going out in a brightly lit room. Lonely darkness that takes your breath away. Phone calls and anticipated visits sorely missed, traditions discontinued, and adjusting to a new normal. 

Others face this day with too many miles between them and loved ones, or struggling with relational challenges. Distance, silence, or maybe even a few regrets.

Still for others, they endure this day with inner sadness—hope deferred—as they wait, and wait, and wait for the child for whom they’ve been praying. Weeks, months, even years. Bellies swelling with life, baby showers, Mother's Day services, thoughtless words, and perhaps even reminders of miscarriages or a loss of a child can usher in unpredictable and silent tears. 

Bitter. 

For thirteen years this was me.

And then there are those whose hope is no longer deferred. A wayward child restored, relationships mended, prayers for a baby answered—arms no longer empty, hearts overflowing.

Oh, so sweet.

This is me. 

 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12).

James and I experienced thirteen years of deferred hope. Mother's Days once considered bitter became sweet when our "trees of life" arrived through adoption in 2006 and 2009! While we celebrate the sweet today, we also pray and remember those who still face the bitter.

Hope Comes

I may have never experienced a positive pregnancy test.
I may have never experienced morning sickness.
I may have never experienced a growing abdomen.
But I have experienced the joy of anticipation.

I may have never experienced unusual cravings.

I may have never experienced obstetrician visits.

I may have never experienced contractions.

But I have experienced the miracle of a new baby.

I may have never experienced physical labor pains

I may have never experienced giving birth

I may have never experienced being able to nurse.

But I am experiencing the blessings of being a mother.

I have longed for a child.

I have wept for a child.

I have prayed for a child.

I have waited for a child.

I have lost a child.

I have labored for a child.

I have anticipated a child.

I have adopted a child.
I have welcomed a child.

I have and love a child.

I am a mother.

Copyright 2011, Erica K Skattebo