My Second Mother's Day as an Orphan

As Mother's Day approaches next Sunday, I'm somewhat apprehensive about how I'll feel. Last year, Mother's Day was less than a month after Mother's funeral and I don't think I truly felt the impact. Now that I've been orphaned for over a year, there are times when it seems like she's been gone forever and other times, when I feel she's still with me.

Last night I was with my daughter at the Hallmark store helping her pick out a card for my wife. I looked at the "from son" section knowing that I would never be able to shop there again. It was somewhat sad, but nothing like last year when I had stopped at the same Hallmark store to pick up a card for my wife. I remember standing in line to buy the card and noticed the man standing in front of me who was about my age. I saw he had a card that read, "To Mom, with love from your son." When I saw that card, I felt like a knife had pierced my heart. I guess, time does heal all things.

I will try to make Sunday a celebration for the mother of my 3 kids. She is truly a wonderful wife and a great mother to our kids. I know she'll understand if there's a bit of sadness in my eyes, but I'll do my best to make sure my sadness doesn't dampen the celebration of the day for our kids.

For those of you who like me no longer have a mother to celebrate with, I hope your memories of the woman who gave you life are still cause to celebrate. If you still have a mother, make sure you take the time to let her know how much you love her and how special she is.