Mother’s Day after losing your mum will always be tough. There’s no way around that. Even the run up to the day is something that will make your heart ache. The shops are filled with Mother’s Day cards, ads for the occasion are everywhere and friends will be talking about their plans. Before we go any further, know that we are sorry you’re having to navigate this, and know that you are not alone.
We promise the day doesn’t have to be all pain. Yes, it won’t be easy, but there are ways you can still enjoy the occasion and find some comfort, meaning and a little bit of healing. Here are some things you can do that might help:
Acknowledge Your Feelings
There’s no right or wrong way to feel about Mother’s Day after losing your mum. You might feel deep sadness, a sense of longing, or even anger at the unfairness of it all. Or maybe, alongside the grief, you find moments of gratitude for the time you did have together. Whatever emotions come up, know that they are valid and you deserve to give yourself permission to feel them without any judgment from anyone.
Make a Plan for the Day
More often than not, the anticipation of the day is worse than the day itself. So, try making some plans for the day to help ease some of that anxiety. Consider whether you’ll find it easier to be around others or if you’d prefer to have some quiet time by yourself. Maybe you’d like to visit her resting place or another spot that brought you both peace. Alternatively, you have every right to ignore the day completely and treat it like any other Sunday. Whatever feels best for you is the right choice.
Honour Her in a Way That Feels Right
Keeping your mum’s memory alive on Mother’s Day can be a beautiful way to navigate the day. You could light a candle, cook her favourite meal, listen to the songs she loved, or even write her a letter. Some people find comfort in looking through old photos, while others prefer to keep busy to avoid the pain. Find what works for you and do it.
Lean on Your Support System
You should never have to go through Mother’s Day alone, so surround yourself with people who understand or people that bring you comfort, love and a little bit of a distraction. Whether it’s family, friends, or an online community of people who understand, leaning on others can help.
We have a fabulous Facebook Bereavement Community page filled with many other incredible people also experiencing Mother’s Day after losing their mums. Join our group and consider starting conversations there to find a sense of community and support.
Treat Yourself to a Gift in Her Honour
Just because your mum isn’t here doesn’t mean you can’t still do something meaningful to celebrate her. Instead of buying a Mother’s Day gift for her, consider purchasing something for yourself in her honour. One beautiful example is memorial jewellery, and here at Inscripture, we have a number of beautiful ways you can keep her close.
With our Handwriting Jewellery collection, you could have her real handwriting engraved onto a design or with our Photo Jewellery collection, we’ll meticulously engrave her smiling, beautiful face onto a necklace, charm or bracelet.
Ashes jewellery is another deeply personal option. Our Ashes into Jewellery line lets you create a colourful resin piece that encapsulates her ashes forever, so she’s never far away. Alternatively, our Self-Fill Ashes Jewellery lets you add her remains to your chosen urn jewellery piece in your own space and time.
Conclusion: Navigating Mother’s Day After Losing Your Mum
Mother’s Day after losing your mum will never be easy, but that doesn’t mean it has to be unbearable. However you choose to spend the day, make sure it’s in a way that feels right for you. Honour her, celebrate her, miss her, grieve her but most importantly, be kind to yourself and do what feels right for you.
The whole team at Inscripture sends love to anyone missing their mum this time of year, and know that no matter where you are, you are never alone in this.
