Mother’s Day is always hard for me: My mother died when I was 13. Over the years it has gotten easier– partly because I’ve had so many more years without her than with her, and partly because writing has helped me. (also therapy and my time facilitating groups at the Children’s Grief Center). Grief doesn’t go away but it does change over time.
I’ve written a lot about my mom, and my grief over the years– turns out grief is a popular topic–here are some of my favorites:
- From Kate Spencer, “How I’m Making Mother’s Day My Bitch”
- From Leslea Newman, “Like Mother Like Daughter”
- “All is Forgiven Between Us,” by Joanna Chen
- And from the doyenne of motherless daughters, Hope Edelman, “A Mother’s Day Letter to Motherless Daughters.” Note: I carried Hope’s book, Motherless Daughters with me for years before I actually read it…. I learned so much about the affects of loss on my own life I wish I’d been ready to read it sooner.
- One of my all-time favorite essays about mother loss (and so much more): Cheryl Strayed’s, “The Love of My Life”
- “Eighteen Attempts at Writing About a Miscarriage” by Alice Bradley published in The Sun magazine
- “Finding My Marathon Legs” by Rob Hoerberger (New York Times, November 1, 2012)
- “The Long Goodbye” by Meghan O’Rourke on Slate
- From Emily Rapp: A New Baby Doesn’t, and Shouldn’t, Replace What’s Lost
It’s taken me a long time to learn to celebrate Mother’s Day again which may be why I’ve neglected to promote our Mother’s Day Plume Plus Gift box. We are actually excited about the box itself. It’s a way to give your mom a gift that tells her you appreciate her creativity and reminds her that her words matter.
Inside you’ll find the signature Plume letter of encouragement–May’s box will include a letter from Jennifer Jordan Schaller and a selection of her creative work–and other creativity boosting items. We’ll include a book by a woman writer, and self-care treats. Our most exciting addition for Mother’s Day is our custom crafted aromatherapy gem essence mist to relax and inspire. Be Here, Write Now™ is like a breath of fresh air through an open window, a clean sheet of paper, and a good cup of tea. (over $65 value for only $35!)
I’d like to add that now that I have several friends with children, and I’ve been around through some births, and parenting of toddlers, kiddos, teenagers, and young adults, I’ve been so impressed with the fierceness and fabulousness of my mom-friends. A few things come to mind: we need to offer more PAID maternity leave to families, and we need to appreciate and support them whenever we can. And moms who find time to write? I’m in awe. If like me your mom is no longer with us, consider instead surprising a favorite writer-mom with a gift, if not a Plume Gift Box, maybe some flowers or a casserole, or even a card just to say “Wow! You are amazing.”