When Mother's Day Is Hard

Yet there is a silent, mostly forgotten group of people--consisting of our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and even family members. They have in common a secret: Mother's Day is a terrible time for them.

Opal had waited until the church was empty. "Pastor," she said with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to be in church next Sunday. It's Mother's Day--and it is just too emotionally charged."

Opal was one of the best-adjusted persons I knew. She was an educator, highly regarded in her field. "I had one child, a daughter, who died from cancer," Opal explained. "You never, ever get over the loss of a child. I have learned to cope quite well, except on Mother's Day, when the emptiness steals in and almost overwhelms me."

This conversation happened several decades ago, and since then I've become aware of many reasons that Mother's Day is hard for so many.

For example, the loss of a mother will dredge up deep feelings on Mother's Day, especially if the loss came during a child's formative years. But the death of a mother at any age can be difficult, especially for those who were either very close to their mothers or those who had unhappy, unresolved issues with the parent they lost.