I'm sure she won't mind my saying but my beloved mom absolutely adores greeting cards.
They are her thing, her love language, her choicest possessions. Not a one received is tossed out. Ever. Each beautiful, bedazzled cardboard rectangle is saved to read and re-read. She savors every message printed on their colorful spreads. She soaks in the sentiments penned by beloved senders.
And then she keeps every treasured one ... in wicker baskets, pretty boxes, little plastic bins, rubber-banded and tucked away in drawers, stacked on shelves, or simply left within arm's reach.
Mom is 89 now. She may or may not read this post.
For decades and decades, she has reached out to hundreds of the broken and hurting with her own card / poem / letter ministry. She's a godly legend in the hearts of all who have benefited from her gentle kindness, her generosity of spirit, her quiet faithfulness in remembering what might have passed others by.
Needless to say, I spent quite a bit of time combing the Mother's Day section at the local Hallmark store this afternoon. My choice had to be beautiful, the words needed to be meaningful, for past experience tells me that my enveloped gift to her will be cradled in her soft, beautiful hands, to read and re-read when sleep eludes, when pain overwhelms, when hours are lonely, when her room is far too quiet, when the shadows dim.
If you're reading this, I love you, Mom. And if you're not reading this, you already knew it anyway.
For those who've loved and lost, Mother's Day can bring immense sorrow. For those who haven't been loved and have lost anyway, the same is true ... maybe even more so.
They are her thing, her love language, her choicest possessions. Not a one received is tossed out. Ever. Each beautiful, bedazzled cardboard rectangle is saved to read and re-read. She savors every message printed on their colorful spreads. She soaks in the sentiments penned by beloved senders.
And then she keeps every treasured one ... in wicker baskets, pretty boxes, little plastic bins, rubber-banded and tucked away in drawers, stacked on shelves, or simply left within arm's reach.
Mom is 89 now. She may or may not read this post.
For decades and decades, she has reached out to hundreds of the broken and hurting with her own card / poem / letter ministry. She's a godly legend in the hearts of all who have benefited from her gentle kindness, her generosity of spirit, her quiet faithfulness in remembering what might have passed others by.
Needless to say, I spent quite a bit of time combing the Mother's Day section at the local Hallmark store this afternoon. My choice had to be beautiful, the words needed to be meaningful, for past experience tells me that my enveloped gift to her will be cradled in her soft, beautiful hands, to read and re-read when sleep eludes, when pain overwhelms, when hours are lonely, when her room is far too quiet, when the shadows dim.
If you're reading this, I love you, Mom. And if you're not reading this, you already knew it anyway.
For those who've loved and lost, Mother's Day can bring immense sorrow. For those who haven't been loved and have lost anyway, the same is true ... maybe even more so.
For those who wanted to be mothers and could not, the sadness is unspeakable. For those who wanted to be mothers and then had their children leave them in one way, shape, or form, the sadness always lingers somewhere not too far away, never to completely depart.
Beloved by many, writer and advocate Rachel Held Evans tragically went home to be with the Lord this week, leaving her babies to grow up without their mother. She was 37, younger than my own daughters. I hardly knew her, yet her death hit me hard, kept me awake in the night, left me sad the next morning when I awoke.
A friend of my mom's recently lost both her mother and daughter within one week. Both. In one week. Sorrow upon sorrow.
Many women {and yes, men} are losing a little bit more of their mothers with each passing day. And I'm thinking of those I know whose dear moms have departed in this past year. Oh, the searing loss.
I remember how many of my sisters {and brothers} have mothers who are not safe for them in a myriad of ways, so they have to hold them at arm's length in order to protect their hearts from being shattered yet again.
And oh the church. How many young women will absolutely avoid heading there on Sunday so they won't be forced to watch as the fortunate ones accept carnations in honor of their mama-status.
Wherever you find yourself this week, whether this is a time of sweet celebration or one heavily laden with grief and sorrow, I pray that you'll know how deeply God desires to gather you to Himself as a hen gathers her chicks ... tucking them safe and secure under the warm covering of her feathers {Matthew 23:37}.
For those who have loved, are losing, or have lost, you'll find the shelter and solace you're yearning for in His comforting embrace.
Linda
P.S.
Because Mother's Day Isn't Always What It's Cracked Up to Be
In Memory of Tyler Avram Willhite
For those who have loved, are losing, or have lost, you'll find the shelter and solace you're yearning for in His comforting embrace.
Linda
P.S.
Because Mother's Day Isn't Always What It's Cracked Up to Be
In Memory of Tyler Avram Willhite
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Chicks Photo by Michael Anfang on Unsplash
Nesting Photo by Phoenix Han on Unsplash
A touching post Linda...
ReplyDeleteBless you,
Jennifer
Jennifer, thanks ...
DeleteHi Linda! My mother went to be with Jesus in 2004 after a short bout with cancer. She was without a doubt the #1 influence on my life, my faith, my choice of a profession (but she always warned me not to get in it for the wrong reason). Little did I realize how wise those words would be. I'm not real sentimental in that I miss her everyday; that I miss picking up the phone to talk to her (we did it seldom); or write her a letter; or any of the other means of communication. She didn't have a computer and I wasn't very computer literate anyway. But I knew she would be there if needed. My heart goes out to those who want to be mothers but aren't or can't and find empty arms this MD. Hope you have a Happy Mother's Day of your own.
ReplyDeleteYour story reminds us how important it is for us to simply be available for those we love. And we don't have to be on top of each other 24 / 7 to be close in heart or to have an impact.
DeleteYour mama sure did a good job along the way, friend ...
What an absolutely beautiful and touching post. Well said, My Friend
ReplyDeleteThank You!
Blessings!
Happy Mother's Day, Lulu. I'm guessing there might be an adventure or two in there for you!
DeleteFor all the mothers out there,
ReplyDeleteand those who hold them dear,
but mostly to those who need our care,
I'll raise a pint of beer.
It's shouted rom the pulpits,
and the mothers proudly stand
while another in her shame, sits
and feels like she's banned.
Not sure how all this started,
but it sure does cause some pain,
and some leave, broken-hearted
while the celebrants remain.
Sure, moms deserve the glow and glory,
but there's a tear-stained side to this story.
You're so right, Andrew. There's a tear-stained side to most of our stories.
DeleteI'd love to hear that more of our churches are celebrating our spiritual mothers, our women in leadership, our faithful teachers, our young women who are brave and courageous.
I used to be one of those women who avoided Mother's Day at church during my years of infertility. I never forget how it was.
ReplyDeleteYour post was touching, Linda!
I'm so sorry for those years of pain, friend.
DeleteThanks for sharing these thoughts, Linda. Mother's Day has been uneasy for me since I lost my middle baby, and then again after I lost my own mother. It's an even harder day for many others. Your words here are appreciated, friend.
ReplyDeleteUneasy kind of says it all, doesn't it, friend.
DeleteI honor your baby girl here today. And I honor her lovely, gentle, wise mama.
Bless you as you make your way through this week, Lisa ...
Absolutely spot on, my friend! This is well conceived and full of tender care for any and all. Our nudges from the Lord are interesting are they not? My post tomorrow is entitled Before She Was Your Mother and looks at her personhood before the role and how we tend to not look at our mother through any lens except as a mother and miss so many things about her. Hugs, Pam
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your post tomorrow, Pam. It sounds like it's going to be fascinating and insightful. Like all the other work you've shared with us so far.
DeleteI'm blessed to have you guide me through the seasons with your wisdom and grace ...
I am feeling so blessed that I get to spend this Mother's Day with my mom (she will be 91 this year!). Sadly, Danny and I both will be missing his mother, who passed away this February. Yes, Mother's Day can be, and many times is, a bittersweet holiday. Prayers offered for your sweet mom, Linda!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I thought of the loss of your mother-in-law as I was writing this yesterday, Martha. Too many of us sister bloggers have lost their parents this past year. It's a difficult, bittersweet season we're finding ourselves in.
DeleteThank God that as our Heavenly Father, He doesn't change, age, and pass on ... What a comfort, what a consolation ...
What a nice tribute to Mom, Linda. She has been an inspiration to both of us through the years and continues to be. Mother's Day is a bittersweet day for me. I love spending it with my children, thinking about my grandchildren and thankful for my mother. But there are two women out there who gave birth to my two daughters and for whatever reason were not able to raise them. My heart goes out to them, thankful that they gave my girls life, but praying that someone who knows God's love would come into their lives and share Him. Again, when Sunday comes, I will look down the street and wonder if this is the day my prodigal son will come home. The light will be on, the door will be open - but where are his thoughts this Mother's Day?.......
ReplyDeleteI told Mom about the post ahead of time. I didn't want any big surprises for her!
DeleteMy heart is touched by your remembrance of the women who birthed your daughters. Wouldn't they be delighted at the women they're becoming.
And yes, yes. I still sit often with the truth of your broken heart. I hurt for you, I lift him back up to the Lord when He brings him to mind. There are no magic answers, no pat responses.
If you were here, I'd give you a hug, a cup of tea ... and we'd go on with our day. Quietly ...
xo
Linda, thank you for your beautiful post. You covered all the places that we might find ourselves in. Thank you for your tender and heartfelt approach!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you put that, Pam! For we never know what the next season will hold for us ... or the other women in our lives.
DeleteLinda, this is such a beautiful post. Your sensitive and caring words touched my heart. My husband and I were those who were not handed a carnation, back in the days of motherlessness. It was truly a knife-stab to the heart. I stopped going to church on Mother's Day for a few years. Though Hubs and I are both fortunate to still have our mothers, they are both growing older, and we cherish the days we have with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to pray for those whose mothers are no longer here, or whose hearts yearn for motherhood still. I hope your Mother's Day is a special one, my friend.
I am sorry for those wounds back in those motherless days, Jeanne. Those memories can't help but linger.
DeleteI'd love to hear what churches are doing to get creative in honoring their women on such a sensitive day ...
What treasures those cards must be for your mom and for you! May you have Mother's day that continues to bring memories to cherish.
ReplyDeleteShe does love those cards! They seem to multiply like rabbits in the springtime ...
Delete;-}
This brings tears to my eyes, Linda. Not only for such a beautiful tribute to your mom, but also the compassionate sensitivity to those who are hurting. And I LOVE the pictures of a hen and her chicks and the truth that "God desires to gather (us) to Himself as a hen gathers her chicks ... tucking them safe and secure under the warm covering of her feathers {Matthew 23:37}. Thank you for this encouraging reminder! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteIsn't this the most comforting word picture, Trudy? The Lord loves us so deeply, so wonderfully well.
DeleteIn Him we are safe, protected, loved, valued.
Thanks for this tribute to all who nurture and who have loved and lost. I can relate to your mom. I also love receiving and giving cards. I remember how my mom treasured everyone too. I am praying for all who feel they fall short on Mother's Day and all who embrace the heart of a mom that God gifts to all of us. Mother's Day blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteMay your beautiful status as Grandma make this Mother's Day your best one ever, Mary!
DeleteThanks Linda, I needed this. I have two adult children who are in not so good places. I know I will not hear from them on Mother's Day and I will be one of the women avoiding church - it's sad that we avoid where we need to go. Thanks for the reminder that I can take refuge under His gentle wing of love.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bev xx
Bev, my heart is so very sad for your broken heart this morning.
DeleteI'm praying for you even as we speak ...
What a beautiful Mother's Day blog written about your Mom and Mothers Day in general. That day certainly does bring up many emotions in us. God has blessed you with a gift of being able to use words to help others, so beautiful to read.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Mothers Day, give your Mom an extra hug and kiss as I know you will.
* via text *
Thank you! Your note means so much to me ...
DeleteAnd "yes" my dear daughter, more and more I am not able to put my thoughts into words!! Thank you so much, Linda, for your special and beautiful and meaningful words that you have written ... I have had to learn that I am not able to put words together any more to be able to adequately express myself. Surely my Lord knows the desires of my heart, and somehow I have to know and realize that the ones that I so deeply love will know from my Lord and Savior all that is in my heart ...
ReplyDelete* via email *
Mom, you continue to do a beautiful job of expressing your love ... and I am so grateful to be able to celebrate yet another Mother's Day with you.
DeleteYour whole family arises and calls you blessed. What an incredible influence you continue to have in all of our lives.
We love you so.
When I grow up, I want to be just like you.
xo
This tribute to your mom is priceless and I can attest to her beauty (even though I have only seen her a few times). Her response brought tears ... I also love cards and save many but not all.
ReplyDeleteI sent a sympathy card to a family this week who just lost their mom, MIL, grandma. I said, “A mother’s life and love is never forgotten.” That is how I feel about my mom.
I always pray for my daughter-in-law on Mother’s Day who will never be a biological mother BUT she has the luckiest nieces and she is the best to all the grand puppies who are like children to us at this stage of life.
Praise God for His purposes and plans for mothering.
You're a superb MIL. And mama, too.
DeleteThat I know for sure ...
I hope your Mother's Day is filled with joy.
And thank you for serving as my spiritual mother / guide along the way, Carol. I can't imagine where I'd be without your steady presence ...
This is a day late, Linda, and not intentionally. Even so, I'm learning that sometimes, words mean a bit more when they come after all the other words. So here I am, sending my love to you and your dear mom on the day after. It's a blessing to read of another mother whose greeting-card ministry has touched so many, and also to hear from another daughter who understands the intense weight and privilege it is to support the parent left behind. I'm sending you a long-distance hug this morning and wishing you and your mom the happiest of weeks after Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteDear Lois, I thought of you throughout the writing of this post. I prayed for you throughout the weekend.
DeleteMy heart goes out to you yet again at your loss.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteWise and compassionate and touching post. Thank you :-) And I pray you and your mother's day was special and blessed :-)
Thanks for being here, Dolly ...
DeleteI hope today finds you well and at peace.