How to Celebrate Mother’s Day When Your Mom Isn’t Here Anymore

You’re not alone in dreading this day.

My mama and me circa 2004

I’m not gonna lie… As Mother’s Day approaches, I am feeling a massive sense of dread, a tinge of bitterness, and an almost overwhelming sadness.

I can’t believe I can’t call my mom this year. I can’t send her a card or flowers.

Seeing all of the Mother’s Day promotions, cards, and events is like a stab in the gut every time — a very loud and painful reminder that my mom is gone.

Is this normal? Am I being selfish?

I know so many wonderful moms who deserve to be celebrated, but it seems so empty without my own.

This is my first year without her. I just hate that she’s not here anymore.

I know I’m not alone in this — feeling the void.

Losing a parent is a loss that’s indescribable, but especially a mother. You are physically connected to her from the moment you’re conceived. It’s an unbreakable bond even after the umbilical cord is cut.

My mom died very unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on August 22, 2024, in her home in Mississippi. I’m in California.

We talked or texted with her daily. When phone calls and texts went unanswered for 24 hours, we got worried and called the…