The second Sunday in May can be an emotional day. No matter how much time has passed, Mother’s Day can be tough for those who have lost their mother. But it also presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate your mother’s life. Here are just a few ways you can honor your mother and the special bond that you shared.
Write her a letter
It’s okay to acknowledge that you miss your mom. Mother’s Day is not a day for pretending. Consider putting your thoughts into writing by penning a note to your mom. Express your feelings, thank her, and share what’s currently going on in your life. Writing your mom a letter can be stress relieving and therapeutic.
Take a walk down memory lane
Use this opportunity to share your most cherished photos and memories of your mom with your family and friends. Frame your favorite photos or share them on social media.
Break out the recipe cards
Cook a meal using your mother’s favorite recipes. If you have children, spend the day cooking with them and carrying on the family tradition. If you have siblings, invite them over for a family meal.
Bring her flowers
Visit your mom’s grave site and bring a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Flowers can also be placed anywhere that’s sentimentally significant for you and your mom. White carnations are the traditional flower for a mother who has passed.
Donate in her name
Make a meaningful donation in your mother’s name to a cause near and dear to her heart. You can also spend the day volunteering or doing something for the community that you know your mom would be proud of.
Honor your other mother figures
Celebrate other mother figures in your life. While none of these women can replace your own mom, oftentimes a mother-in-law or family friend helped shaped who you are too. By celebrating someone else, you still spend Mother’s Day honoring someone you love.
Do what she loved
Did your mom love gardening or reading? Step outside of your box and pick up her favorite hobby. You might just find that you enjoy it too!
While there’s no right way to celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s important to do what feels right to you. After all, that’s what your mother would truly want. No matter what, your love will always be there.
Grief is a process that is often difficult to navigate alone. Delaware Hospice is dedicated to providing grief counseling and support for bereaved individuals, families, and community members. Delaware Hospice also has a nationally recognized grief program, New Hope, that serves children and teens. When you’re ready to seek help in coping with grief, our programs and resources include individual counseling, support groups, grief support workshops, luncheons, lectures, retreats, and special memorial services.
For further information, please call 800.838.9800 and ask to speak with a bereavement counselor, or visit our grief support calendar to locate support resources in your area.
