For years, I’d dreamed of being a mom. And I didn’t just want to have a few kids; I hoped to have 12 (yes, for real!)
I came from a large family (there were 7 kids in my family) and I loved big families. Plus, I loved the idea of being a mom. So I couldn’t wait to get married and have kids.
Only, life often doesn’t pan out how you would dream. Soon into our marriage, we found out the devastating news that we’d probably never be able to have kids.
So many long-held dreams and hopes died on that day. So many visions of nurseries and strollers and rocking chairs and little feet.
And I cried many, many tears.
We didn’t tell this to many people because it hurt so badly and voicing it just made it more painful. So when someone would say something about us having children — and people made many unknowing comments of that sort in our first year of marriage — it stung deeply.
I well remember that first Mother’s Day as a newly married woman. I was sitting in church and hearing all of the moms being honored and praised. And my heart wanted to burst from how badly it hurt to know that there was a very good chance I would never be able to have kids.
I won’t ever forget what it felt like. And my heart will always hold a special place for women who struggle with the pain of infertility.
Mother’s Day isn’t always flowers and chocolate and handmade cards. For many women, it’s a hard reminder of something that isn’t, something that once was, or something that might never be.
Maybe you’ve lost a child.
Maybe you’re estranged from your mom.
Maybe your child has a life-threatening disease.
Maybe you’ve lost your mother.
Maybe you’re single and longing for marriage and motherhood.
Maybe that adoption you thought was going to go through didn’t.
Maybe you never really had a mother figure in your life.
Maybe you’re desperately longing for a child and struggling with infertility.
Maybe you are estranged from your grown child...
I don’t know your exact circumstances or the burdens you are carrying today. But if Mother’s Day is hard for you, I want you to know this: You are not alone.
I can’t be there physically to hug you and pray with you like I wish I could, but I want you to know that I care about you and others in this community here do, too.
And I would be honored to pray for you — especially this Mother’s Day weekend. If you are struggling and would like extra prayer and encouragement, would you leave a comment on this post or send me an email?
I will individually pray for each of as a small way of letting you know that, while it might feel like the rest of the world is off celebrating, there are people who care about you.
You are loved. You are not alone. You are not forgotten.
Mery says
Thanks for your kind words. I feel like my dream to be a stay home mom isn’t going to pass. I’m thankful to the Lord because He has given me so much except the dream to be a mommy. It’s a lonely situation as well, because all your friends, neighbors, coworkers are moms and they are busy. I know that many parents don’t have the money to buy a gift for Christmas to their children. I can buy some, but I have no kids to give to. So much love but no a child to give to. Blessings to you.
[email protected] says
For the want-to-be mothers…….I have some encouragement for you. I married at 27 and now I am 44. I waited for the Lord to bring me a child for all those years. I even gave up thinking that the Lord just didn’t want me to have kids. Well my husband kept moving towards fostering children, even when I gave up. Finally, two days before Mother’s Day, a baby girl came into my foster home. She was motherless and fatherless. I am in the process of adopting her.
The Lord has plans for your life. He will wipe away all of those tears!!
Lindy says
I could’ve written this…..I
Felisha says
I’m with you! Sometimes, Mother’s Day is the worst! I lost my birth mother to suicide on May 9, 1989. I was 3 years old. Mother’s Day used to be a yearly reminder of my pain…now it’s a testament to God’s healing! Here’s my take on Mother’s Day: http://millybecomingwilder.com/?p=573
Megan says
Thank you so much for this post. This helped my heart and gave me much needed comfort. Struggling with infertility is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with and Mother’s Day is always particularly hard. I know that many women need and appreciate those prayers. Thank you
Katherine says
Thank you for mentioning those women who are single and long for a husband and children. When all your friends start having babies and you’re still trying to find a decent guy, it can feel hopeless and painfully lonely.
ruthie says
I sent you a private email. Thank you for caring Crystal.
Brook says
I’m 35, I’ve always wanted to be a Mom. This past fall I started my first year as a teacher. I teach Family Consumer Science to high school students. In a new place it doesn’t take long for people to ask if you’re married or if you have kids. After, they hear “no” kids don’t usually stop to think before they ask “why”. It hurts and you really cannot get mad at them for asking.
This school year has been even more difficult because I lost my last grandparent just before Christmas.
I will not give up on being a Mom, but it feels like there isn’t much I can do and seems like there aren’t many people talking about it.
Thank you for acknowledging the hard situations of others.
Kim says
On March 15 this year my husband left myself and our 2 little boys. I agreed to the separation due to his irrational behavior last year. Now he has decided against counseling and is filing for divorce. I spent today at his brothers house and my husband was there. It was so hard to be around him. I have my in-laws full support but this is the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. Prayers for myself and boys are very much appreciated. I’m a Christian but he is not so prayers for his salvation are also appreciated.
Fernanda says
I am experiencing a lot of emotional pain, yesterday I lost my baby at 2 months of pregnancy. Doctors cannot explain the reason, this would be my second child, we have tried for 2 years. I have no words to explain how sad I am and cannot even comfort my husband sadness because I am depressed myself. I will never forget this Mother’s Day. Yet, my husband managed to go out with my 2 year old and bring me a gift. I gave them a big hug and thank God for having them in my life.
Lisa says
Thanks for sharing! I would love prayer today. Three plus years of infertility….hard hard day.
Denise says
Thank you so much for your kind words. It means so much to me to hear that someone remembers us that have the heart of a mother, but no bundles of joy to give that love to. Yes there are nieces and nephews, neighborhood children and many others that we share our love with, but truly it is not the same. So mothers everywhere tonight please give your babies an extra hug and remember what a true blessing they truly are!
ruthie says
Well said Denise.
Rachel says
I loved this, thank you for sharing and reminding us that we are alone. After a miscarriage 12 years ago, not being able to get pregnant again, despite 3 failed fertility treatments, finding out in November of 2014 that I had uterine cancer, that we tried unsuccessfully to treat conservatively for 15 months, I’m am now almost 9 weeks out from a radical hysterectomy and really struggling with Mother’s Day. But I am learning that God’s grace is sufficient for the trials we face and am thankful for any and all prayers.
chris says
My husband passed away this year leaving behind 2 boys. While my oldest did his best to compensate it was hard not to have the one day. All the posts of the relaxing leaves me at a loss. Nice to know I’m not alone & never will be. This struck a cord that I’d been avoiding all day. Thank you. & to those struggling with the day – remember the good.
Ashley says
I lost my mother this year. January 24th. A day that I will forever remember. She was a diabetic and in April of last year after years of having and living with kidney disease her doctor said that she had progressed and her kidneys were now failing. He said that without dialysis or a kidney transplant she would have 6-12 months to live. When my mom told me I instantly scheduled a doctors examine to check my own kidney function and overall health to see if I was able to give her a kidney (I knew this day would come for years before it happened I always knew I was going to give my mom one of my kidneys). I went through lots of tests the day I went to the doctors, but in the end she said I was a viable donor and she gave me a paper that said I was basically healthy enough to donate. My mom was suppose to go to a doctor that does transplants and he was suppose to give her some tests and tell her if they were willing to do a transplant for her (yes, its not automatic even if you already have your own donor. They decide if it would be good for you to have a transplant or not I guess depending on the reason you lost the organ in the first place). From there we would both get tested to see if our kidneys matched. I begged my mom to keep her sugars under control (she never did), so that she would be a good candidate and I really thought that she was going to, but in the end she decided she didn’t want to even go and see if she could get a transplant, she didn’t want to see if I was a match, she didn’t want dialysis. She was done fighting for her life (she had cancer and multiple illness throughout her life). She thought that the losing a kidney would limit me in my life (it wouldn’t have). She didn’t want to take the very slim chance that something could happen to me during surgery and she didn’t want me to be taken away from my 3 year old daughter. So even though I begged and pleaded with her to the end she died 9 months after being told her kidneys were failing.
lori says
Ashley … I’m sorry to hear this. We lost my mother-in-law to kidney disease a few years ago. Just tonight I was talking to my son about his Nana and he was asking about her amputation, and I had to explain that she didn’t make very good choices (she smoked, ate bad food, didn’t exercise, didn’t keep her sugars under control, etc.) She also made the same decision to stop fighting. I’m sure today was a hard day for you. Just wanted to let you know you’re not alone today … we were missing our Nana too.
Erin@The Humbled Homemaker says
Thanks for sharing your story, Crystal! I love your heart. Our pastor chose to honor all women college age and up today–saying it was a day to honor spiritual mothers as well. I thought that was so cool!
ruthie says
Your pastor is so wise.
Heather says
I had 6 losses from ages of 13 weeks to 30 weeks before we had our daughter 6 years ago. Mother’s Day is a time of reflection for me. I struggle with their absence and although I cherish my daughter to no end, I pray to understand all the pain and loneliness that its left in my heart.
Kari says
Heather, I can empathize with you. I have a wonderful 6 year old daughter, whom I treasure. I’ve lost 3 babies between 6-9 weeks gestation and one son at 33 weeks gestation since having my daughter. The pain and loneliness is still difficult to navigate.
Crystal, like you (almost!), I too dreamed for more children than I have. I always wanted and imagined I’d have 4 kiddos. I have one. I do see the blessings in my struggles, though it’s not always easy to keep perspective.
Thank you for this reminder that everyone, likely, struggles in some way. And none of us are alone in that.
Barbara says
I lost my mom in August 2014. This is the first Mother’s Day without her. What makes it especially hard is that I also lost my dad in March 2015. Losing both parents so close together has left me lost. My mom’s birthday is in 12 days and I cry every time I think that she did not have just one more birthday. I know that a day celebrating Mom’s is hard for many people for many different reasons.
Lizzy says
Crystal–I just want to thank you for your sensitive heart in writing this post. After 5 years of infertility and then becoming a mom through adoption, I too remember the heartache of Mothers Day, especially at Church. I appreciate your sweet heart and agree with you in prayers for those hurting.
Sharon says
Thank your for this! I am motherless and childless. In our church, mothers are asked to come to the front to be honored. Last year I sat alone in the midst of a congregation of men, wanting to crawl under a pew. Although this year was better, being at church is always the greatest reminder that I am childless (we have many babies). Sometimes it seems like such a lonely place where I have been forgotten. So thankful for the faithfulness of the Lord who carries us through these things, though!
Jenniffer L. says
Thank you for this post. I have a 6 year old daughter, and have been struggling with secondary infertility for 4 years. Since I am 42, my husband and I decided to take out a loan to do IVF. It worked, and then I miscarried at 10-1/2 weeks (3 weeks ago now). I know God is faithful, and I trust him, but it feels like there is no hope left and I will never have another child. I know there are many women in my position, and I will pray for us all.
Kelly Cox says
Crystal, thanks for being willing to pray. We’ve been told we are not able to have children. It’s an ache that’s so hard. I just know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever…. He is Sovereign and always good. I sound so tough, I’m not, more like teary but trusting in Him that His plans for us are good. I wanted as many children as He would allow us, to homeschool and yet now I’m not sure His plans for us. We hosted Mother’s day today and I’m thankful b/c I have a wonderful family that needed to have a host. Thankful it was us today. Beautiful time. I choose joy as I pray for His plans for us. Thanks for you post.
Jennifer says
Thank you so much for writing this beautiful post. My mom died when I was 20. I found that it was really difficult to go to church on Mother’s Day, as statements were made such as “Everyone has a mom.” Sigh. Finally after a few years of being a mom myself, I gathered up my courage and was able to attend church on Mother’s Day again. Also, over the years, my grandmother (who was also my mom’s mom), became a second mom to me. She was also one of the best friends I have ever had. Last year around this time, she also passed away. I am so thankful for the extra love my family has given me today…because today has been difficult. :-/ And…eventually I will get to church on Mother’s Day Sunday again. Just not yet.
Pauline says
Hi! This really “hit home” with me today, too – for three reasons. First, my dear mama went to be with the Lord in 2001 – I miss her every day! Second, I have always longed to be a mom, but have never had that opportunity. And my birthday is today – it falls on Mother’s Day every few years which is kinda bittersweet! I did go to church today, and our church does Mother’s Day a bit differently – every woman is given a special gift and a carnation, which I think is wonderful! Their idea behind that is that all women are nurturers, and should be honored for that – even if it is as a Sunday School teacher, friend, caregiver, etc. But yet, the day is still a tough one for me. 🙁 Your prayers are appreciated! 🙂
Susan in St. Louis says
Such a good reminder to be aware of the women in our life who might be hurting today!!
A friend of mine from church has now lost BOTH of her sons – her only children – to Muscular Dystrophy. This is her first mother’s day with no living children. This morning when I gave her a hug she said that this holiday has been harder than the others so far. I feel for her and her husband in this season of holidays celebrating parenting. If the Lord brings them to mind, Crystal, prayers for these friends would be appreciated. Thanks!
Leona says
Thank you Crystal, as always. Having PCOS, I had miscarriages. It is difficult burden, but after much prayer we finally have our 2 miracles. On the other hand, I worry because my mother wasn’t there for me growing up; I never really had a relationship with her. Now that she is elderly, I am taking care of her because she has never learned to take care of herself leaving us in a very difficult situation.
Kelly Sandifer says
Thank you for this! As a single woman living so much to be a wife and mother, this day can be hard. But I take such comfort that my God sees my tears and knows my heart, and is using even this to draw me closer to Him. Praying for all who are hurting on this day.
Anne says
Kelly, I said a prayer for you. I remember those days, seeing friends get married and having children. It’s hard. Hugs
Julie says
Thank you so much for voicing some of the thoughts heavy on my “You’re-gonna-be-a-great-mom,” yet child-less heart. It’s nice to know there are others trying to bravely get through this day.
Denise Frary says
I just wanted to let you know I am going to pray for all of those special women too! You are an awesome person God bless you for thinking of others on this special day! And actually they are moms too, just think of all they do as Aunts!
Betsy Herman says
I can relate!
Heather C says
Crystal~ today is a day I honor the mom I lost 8 years ago, far too early. My brother, who is paranoid schizophrenic killed her when he felt she was mentally attacking him. (Four weeks later my father committed suicide.) I know my mom is always with me, and I talk to her and about her so often that my adopted daughter (named after her) has said “I wish i could have met her, she sounded like such a wonderful woman!” I honor my mom by taking care of and visiting my brother in the local mental institution. While we couldn’t have predicted her untimely death, I made a vow to always be a part of his life. I know he wouldn’t have done this had he been sane.
Cate R. says
Thank you for acknowledging that this day is not filled with sweetness and happy feelings for everyone. My mother has left me with some of the worst wounds of anyone in my life. She is alive and well, but the relationship is a mess and I have no idea how to “honor” this person who is very difficult to love and respect. Browsing the mother’s day card section with all the warm and thankful sentiments gives me a bitter taste.
J L says
Cate, you’re not alone in your feelings. I have been completely estranged from my toxic mother for the last 2 years , in spite of the fact she lives 10 minutes from me. It never stops hurting 🙁 but it hurts worse on this day. Praying for you!
Misty Nicole Roberts says
Thank you so much for this post. As someone who is TTC, who has been pushed away by my birth mother, as well the woman who raised me, my grandmother, a dementia patient, who has lost the last three decades of her memory (the duration of my thirty-two years of life), finds me generally mourning on this day. I am truly thankful for your kind words, and thankful for all of the other ladies, other mothers, who helped me along my path in life.
Today makes me all the more grateful to have my husband, friends, and fur-babies! Happy Mother’s Day, Crystal!
Dena says
Thank you so much for this post! My brother and I have been estranged from our mom for about a month now. I am lucky enough to have a 2 year old and 10 week old twins to spend the day with, but being without my mom still stings. I remember what she used to be like and wish someday she will be like that again (probably wishful thinking) So thank you for including the estranged mom in your post!! 🙂
D says
I dislike mother’s day because it’s painful for so many people. People who have lost their moms or moms weren’t good to them and then those who have lost children or have had infertility, as you mentioned. Three of my babies are in Heaven. I miss them so much. Thank you for your sensitive post.
Maryann says
Thank you. I would have been 38 weeks pregnant today had I not miscarried. My second miscarriage was just over a month ago. Prayers for you in your journey as well.
Claire says
Thank you so much for this post. I can relate to many of the examples that you referenced; some are part of my past and some continue today. Reading the comments and seeing the incredible pain that some of your readers have suffered is humbling and definitely puts things in perspective for me. You are all in my prayers.
mary bowen says
I miss my Mom so much,its been 4 years since she passed..theres not a day goes by that i dont think of her…today is really hard,i just want to pick up the phone and call her to wish her a Happy Mothers Day,,,i know shes looking down on me,,wiping away my tears…I Love You Mom.
T Nadalet says
Prayers for daughter in law struggling with infertility and a daughter struggling with being single. Mother’s Day and Valentines Day are extremely difficult days for them.
Becky says
I had an unexpected miscarriage 3 weeks ago. It’s a weird Mother’s Day for me, since I found out that I was pregnant and non-pregnant on the same day. Unexpected pregnancy, yes. But for a split second, I was ecstatic–until the doctor told me that it was likely that I had miscarried, based on HCG levels in my blood. My husband does’t seem too terribly supportive and seems to dismiss it, so I’m kinda left alone to grieve.
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
Becky, I am so sorry. I am praying that you will find a person who will help you grieve, and that your husband will also come beside you in grieving.
Donna says
I remember hard Mother’s Days. I remember that pain.
I remember the year I decided that I wouldn’t go to church the next year on Mother’s Day. I remember going camping instead so as to not having to stay seated while almost every other woman in the church stood to be recognized as a mother. It was ignorance on the part of the pastor that caused that pain, not a direct insult to me personally.
Now, I’m the mom to six adopted children, each one who would be considered “unadoptable” by some people and each one of them is “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I’m so thankful that each of their birthmothers chose life for them so that I could be their mother!
Jessica says
I have three living children and I miscarried one baby. My friend who has no living children and who miscarried three, is having a very hard time today. She also just lost her mom. I am having a hard time, as my parents just divorced last month after 36 years of marriage, and my mom now has a boyfriend. It doesn’t even sound right saying “my mom’s boyfriend.” I have never been close to my mom, but I hope to enjoy today with my kids and sending up a special prayer for the one I haven’t been able to meet yet.
Beth says
I have struggled with infertility for 10 years now. My husband and I are “paper pregnant” as we are beginning the adoption process. This Mother’s Day I want to scream from the rooftops that I’m finally gonna be a mom but I’m scared to death something will fall apart. Prayers for a successful adoption would be so appreciated.
amy says
Praying for you. We had a failed adoption and then 9 months almost to the day we brought our baby girl home. This is our first mother’s day with her and we are treasuring every moment.
Jen says
Any given day of the year could be hard/painful/difficult for some reason or another for someone around us and we don’t even know it. Let’s remember to show compassion and love at all times.
Brittany says
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am also in my first year of marriage and this is my first Mother’s Day since my angel baby. It been a rough week of looks of pity from those who know and well meaning words from strangers at work. I have feeling so alone in struggling with how I feel. This is exactly what I needed to read.
K Gravatt says
Thank you so much for posting this. I lost my mom to stage IV Thyroid Cancer July 2013. This will be my second Mother’s Day without her. I get so sad when I see ads telling me to give my mom something on Mother’s Day as I can never do that again. I wasn’t quite ready to be the focus on this holiday. The torch was passed much too soon. If you have a mom, call her or hug her today. I wish I could.
Diana says
This is a lovely post. Most people don’t remember the women left out. It’s hard. I am always the one buying gifts and paying for the dinners & brunches for sisters, sister-in-law, MIL, MOM…I of course am grateful to have these people in my life and I’m so happy for their accomplishments…but it’s just another reminder that not everyone is granted membership in the “mommy club”, no matter how desperately you want it or how hard you have tried or how much you have prayed. Thank you for your post!
LauraRS says
I appreciate your post and would appreciate your prayers. I lost a baby to a miscarriage two years ago on the morning after Mothers Day, so Mothers Day is a doubly strong reminder. I miss my baby and I want him back. I have a chronic illness, so my husband and I don’t know if we will have children of our own other than the one we lost.
I’m not sure if I can face church tomorrow. I go to a small house church, so they all know, and they’re comforting, but they still make a point of celebrating the mothers in the group. They include me in that, which is a blessing and a curse. Last year, it was immensely comforting. This year…I don’t know. I kind of just want to hide.
Angela says
I just recently lost my third baby, but I know that one day I’ll meet my little one in heaven. Thank you for your prayers!
Jaclyn says
I’m very blessed to have two little boys but Mother’s Day will always be sad for me. My mom died 4 years ago and never got to be a grandma. My heart breaks for all she is missing out on. The stories she will never read to her grand kids, the hugs, kisses etc. My boys will never know what it is to have a grandma since my husbands mom passed away about 12 years ago. Thank you for this post – I cried while reading it.
HappyMama says
Crystal you are just so sweet! What a nice post for those hurting on Mother’s Day.
Michelle says
thank you for your post, this day can be very difficult for some of us whose dream of a family will not come to pass. I was truly touched by your kind and thoughtful words. I will pray for those who post here as well. Again thank you.
Bev says
You were able to have children I’m assuming later on? I was told I was most likely sterile and God worked a miracle and my daughter came along, then I was told again years later that I probably could no longer conceive – and then God worked a miracle and my son came! My children are about 10 years apart and so many people wonder why we waited so long but they don’t understand how many children I lost during that time and then recently I lost another baby at 5 months pregnant and that was the hardest thing I’ve gone through in my life. All my other miscarriages were very early but this one was devastating. I also wanted a big family but things just aren’t working out that way but I’m thankful for the ones that God did let me have and the ones I will see in Heaven! 😉
reggie says
Thanks for such kind words. I lost my mom almost a year ago and the grief doesn’t get any easier. I think about all the years I mid treated her and in the last 5 year my son and I would take her flowers and now we have no one to do it for. I know she is in heaven and she is no longer in pain.
Colleen says
Thank you for such a beautifully written blog post. It is the day before Mother’s Day and although I am floating around happier than happy because I am blessed with three beautiful children, I am on and off again sobbing. I lost my mom almost 9 years ago on New Years Eve. It feels like forever and yet just like yesterday. I try to put it into perspective by realizing there are those that did not have their mothers as long as I was blessed with having mine around (31 beautiful years).
Today my beautiful kids and hubby took me out for dinner, as my daughter and I waited outside in the beautiful sunshine while my hubby and boys parked the car, I watched a family walk out while an older couple was walking in, the older lady ran towards this young young child saying, “there my favorite guy” as she swooped him up and he did a fist pump. It was so beautiful and yet so painful as my littles will never know that live from mom.
Trying to focus on the greatness of motherhood while grieving the loss of my mother.
You are an amazing woman and I truly admire all that you do!!! Prayers to all those who are struggling with whatever it is you are struggling with. May God hold you and keep you free of pain, grief and sadness and bless you with an abundance of happiness, hope, and love and peace in your hearts!!!
Colleen says
*love from my mom
j. says
Mothers day is so hard. My mother walked out on us when i was 5 leaving us with an abusive father to pursue a homosexual relationship. I hate mothers day. Even though I have 5 children of my own I have an incredible hard time. I especially remember my grandparents taking us to church on mothers day and i sunday school we would make a special craft for our mommies, but I never had someone to give it to. It was such a hollow feeling making it knowing it was destined for the garbage. Last year, I didn’t participate in the festivities my husbands family prepared for the mothers in their family. I just couldn’t do it. I stayed home alone while he and my children went to the picnic. they always share kind things aloud to the group at the picnic. It’s so hard to hear these kids say amazing things about their mother. Honestly, I don’t even trust myself with my own kids. I often times find myself keeping them at arms length. I am so afraid of myself and that one day I’lll be like her.
Wendy says
J – you are not alone in these feelings. My mother left me with my father also to pursue other relationships (many) and I knew from babyhood that I was last on her list. She would visit occasionally, just enough for me to know her a bit and miss her even more. I really struggled too with Mother’s Day for many, many years, and then after going through infertility treatment, my husband and I have two beautiful sons. I just focus on them now and send my mom a card but don’t try to see her. I’m afraid too that I will be like her someday, but each day I try very, very hard to make a conscious choice to be the best mom that I can be – the kind of mom that I wish I had had myself. Maybe try focusing on that – your children will grow and blossom, as mine have. My oldest has started college this year, and in his senior essay last year he started his biography with the line “my childhood was a peaceful and wonderful time” and I cried and cried with joy and relief when I read that, because it’s all I ever wanted for him.
Rachel R says
Please pray for my dear friend Kristin, whose precious baby girl died 2 months ago in the womb at 36 weeks.
Fey says
I have been married for about 5 1/2 years. I longed for a child, but slowly am coming to realize it might not happen. I’m 34, with type 2 diabetes and Hashimoto’s thyroidism. I’m scared of it, too, so I’m trying to make some sort of decision about what we want to do. He doesn’t want them (he’s done a lot of soul searching about it) and I’m not sure I feel so strongly about it either.
Jessica says
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s when my middle child was six months old. I did conceive and give birth to another baby, she’s now a healthy 2 1/2 year old. It is possible, but prepare to have a lot of blood work and extra monitoring of yourself and the growing baby.
Jessica says
I lost our second baby this past January. Although we have a happy and healthy three year old boy, my heart hurts for the baby I will only meet in Heaven. Thanks for this post.
Adrienne says
((hugs))
One month to the day after our son passed away at 28 weeks gestation was mother’s day last year, complete with the baby dedication of several babies in our church. It was harder than any other mother’s day.
Praying for your aching heart today.
Serena says
I wanted to ask for prayer for a close friend of mine whose mother accidentally overdosed a few years ago. She has a 2yr old daughter herself and struggles with the fact that her mother never got to see or hold her daughter. She didn’t have her mother there for the pregnancy or the bonding afterwards. She is also trying to raise her alone. The baby’s father kicked her and his daughter out. (He’s in an extremely low spot and could also use lifting. ) To everyone here who has posted, please know I have said prayers for you.
rachel says
This is a very difficult day for me too. I have suffered from the darkness that is infertility. This day is just another reminder of the uncertainty and unfulfilled dreams of myself and so many other women. I know God has a reason, but that’s so hard to understand in this moment.
Elizabeth says
This is my first Mother’s Day as a single mom of 3 young girls. My husband/their Daddy died suddenly late November. Apart from my faith in the Lord, my obligation to the girls has kept me going…but mothering them is also one of the hardest parts of widowhood.
Lisa @Truefaithful.com says
I’m so sorry Elizabeth. As another single mom after my husband’s sudden death, I’m praying for you.
ElIzabeth says
Thank you! I read some of your posts & can relate to so many of the heartbreaking scenerios you describe. What a testimony you are to the Lord’s provision. In November I was jolted out of comfortable complacency into submission to Christ for strength, wisdom, protection, etc. No one chooses suffering, but it certainly brings scripture to life!
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
I so identify with that. Suffering stinks, but there is no better place to be than squarely dependent on God. He WILL take care of you!
Misty says
This is always a painful time of year. We were told we would probably never have children. We then lost a child close to 20 weeks four years ago. So we grieve the loss of a child and dashed dreams. Mother’s day is just an incredibly hard day. Thanks for this post!
Louise Nichols says
I love your compassionate post! I just posted about the same thing on my blog. I shared about a miscarriage years ago. Today I am a mom of two beautiful teenage girls I adopted from China. Even now, 18 years later, Mother’s Day is still hard. I think there are a lot of women who need to hear they are not alone.
Many blessings,
Louise
Crystal says
My husband died 2 1/2 months ago by suicide. I am a mom but, now suddenly thrust into this situation, grieving, realizing the reality that I’m alone. I’m dreading the meaning of mother’s day and father’s day will be soon behind that. For every spouse that is without your other half…prayers and hugs to you and for us all.
Crystal Paine says
I am so, so, so sorry! I just prayed for comfort for you tomorrow. I can only imagine how incredibly difficult this must be for you.
Anne says
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
albertagurl says
thank you for this lovely post. xx
Kay says
Been there, felt that, just made me cry. I adore my step kids & they help, but it’s still not quite the same feeling of having born your own child…
Crystal Paine says
{Hugs!} I am so sorry, Kay. I just prayed for you.
denise says
Mother’s Day is hard! Especially since churches make it such an event and ours makes it baby dedication Sunday too so it feels like salt rubbed in a wound. I truly believe my husband and I will foster or adopt or both someday but in the meantime I’m a woman yearning for that day while dealing with a chronic pain condition!
Thank you for your kind words and prayers in remembering those of us that feel pain and sadness this weekend!
Crystal Paine says
Oh, Denise! I’m so sorry! I just prayed for special encouragement and comfort for you tomorrow.
denise says
Thanks Crystal. You are so sweet!
Monica F says
Denise, I am in a very similar situation. I will also be praying for your family and for you to have relief from your chronic condition.
denise says
Thank you! It is nice to have people who understand! Saying a prayer for you too!
D says
I’m sorry. I feel the freedom to skip church on mother’s day or walk out of baby dedication ceremonies.
denise says
We did skip today!