A Motherless Mother's Day: Celebrating After Your Mom's Death

Mother’s Day is usually a time to celebrate and give thanks to that special woman we call mom. But what if your mother has passed away? Facing Mother’s Day after the death of your mother is difficult. This year, why not celebrate the life of dear ‘ol mom instead of focusing on her loss? Here are four activities to help make this Mother’s Day a bit brighter.

1. Express your feelings.

We’ve all been told that expressing our feelings is an important step in the healing process. So try writing your mom a letter. Fill the page with memories of special moments you shared, questions you never had a chance to ask, or simply what you miss most about her. Anything goes. If you’re pressed for time, use a mini tape recorder. Save your letters or recordings in a safe place, and return to them every year. You’ll find comfort in the healing you’ve made over time.

2. Watch it grow.

In many parts of the country, Mother’s Day arrives at a perfect time for planting. Design a small theme garden that can be added to year after year. Your theme garden could feature varying shades of your mom’s favorite color, a group of special herbs, or wild flowers that are perfect for arrangements. If planting a garden is a bit too time consuming, buy a large flowerpot and design a mini theme garden instead. Either way, planting flowers is a beautiful celebration of your mother, and you’ll find the physical activity both calming and mood boosting.

3. Picture it again and again.

Photographs provide us with a wonderful way to capture precious moments. Dig through that big box of photos, and choose a few of your mom that are extra special. Consider choosing pictures of various sizes, and ones that capture the changing relationship you and your mother shared. Select distinctive picture frames that capture the spirit of your photos. Group the photos together and display them somewhere you wouldn’t expect to find family photos, such as the bathroom counter or near the kitchen sink. You’ll be sure to smile when greeted by this surprise.

4. Comfort food.