Mother’s Day. Just two simple words that set off a flurry of emotions for myself, and many others who have struggled with infertility.
Now don’t get me wrong, I haven’t always been so indifferent about Mother’s Day. I have an amazing mother. Like out of this world, talk to her everyday, best friend status, cool Mom. I have a lot of great memories of making it a special day for her with homemade cards, gifts and picnics.
I began to feel uneasy about Mother’s Day about five years ago. That was around the time where it seemed that everyone we knew was getting pregnant. Everyone but us that is. When you have nearly daily doctors appointments and a variety of medications you are taking to get pregnant, there are only so many cutesy social media posts you can take.
The deeper we got into our struggle with infertility, the tougher Mother’s Day became. For me, it was just another reminder that everyone else seemed to have the one thing I didn’t.
That is when it hit me…
Why is Mother’s Day just for a mother of a child? Who makes that rule of who can be celebrated on this day? What about those women who play an active role in the lives of other people’s children? Why could I not celebrate Mother’s Day as a proud auntie to eight amazing nieces and nephews? Why could I not celebrate Mother’s Day as a Mommy to my sweet four legged puppy? WHY?
Now fast-forward to this year, and my first official Mother’s Day will soon be here. As exciting as it is to celebrate our own little miracle, I can’t help but to feel guilt for those who are still experiencing that same pain I once felt.
As they say, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ So as you prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this year with your children, think of these women in your ‘village.’ Think of the friends, sisters, aunts and godmothers in your child’s life. Don’t forget to wish them a Happy Mother’s Day for all that they do to support you and your family.
Blake and I wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!
