When You Feel Alone on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day can be a joyful day but it can also be an emotional one. We, as women, know that fact well. We all carry motherhood baggage, some that is known and other bits that we hide. I’ve been thinking a lot about those of us who feel alone on Mother’s Day – or any day, for that matter. Sometimes our own situation feels so isolating, we focus only on the pain of moment.

I know Mother’s Day is one of those hard days for many people and many reasons. For me, there were years of singleness when I doubted I would get married. I felt alone on those Mother’s Days. Then, when I was married, there were several years of infertility, where I truly doubted that I would ever be a mom. I definitely felt alone on Mother’s Day then. Now, even though I am a mom, I look around and see so many other moms hurting and struggling.

For that very reason, I need to speak these words. I pray this will encourage you today, on Mother’s Day, and for all the tomorrows that come.

I see you.

I see you holding back tears when you pass that tiny baby in the grocery store aisle. I know the disappointment of another negative pregnancy test. I hear the longing in your voice and the even deeper longing of your heart. You are not alone.

I see you corralling your lively bunch of kids and hurrying, always hurrying. I know you’re tired of refereeing another fight as you try to get dinner on the table. I hear the financial worries as you wonder what next week – and month – will bring. You are not alone.

I see the joyful exhaustion you wear on your face. I know you didn’t realize having a newborn would be this hard. I hear those unasked questions as you wonder if you are enough. You are not alone.

I see you humbly working for and asking for money to help fund your dream of adoption. I know the paperwork seems excessive for a day that is too far away. I hear the mix of excitement and fear in your voice.  You are not alone.

I see your tears as you grieve the death of your child – this child, who is always your child, whom you love. I hear you wonder how to mention this child to others. I see you living with the grief that never ends, but just widens with time. You are not alone.

I see you waiting for the day you’ll be asked out, praying for the man who will help make your dream of a family come true. I know how hard it is to wait patiently. I hear the fears you’re too scared to say out loud as you wonder what you will do if that longing of your heart doesn’t come true. You are not alone.

I see you wishing your grown children lived in your house again. I know you miss the joyful chaos of their younger days. I hear the memories of the past as you adjust to this new life as an empty-nester. You are not alone.

I see you missing your Mom. I know you wish you were sitting together at the table again, chatting about life. I hear the regrets you have over words said and some left unsaid. You are not alone.

Whether you are single or married, pregnant for the first time or seventh time, newly expecting or struggling with infertility. If you are a new mama or experienced one, young, old(er) or anywhere in between.

Whomever you are and wherever you are, it is my prayer that you know this.

You are seen. You are loved. God knows every thought and desire of our heart. He will not leave us. Remember God’s promise in Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

You are not alone. 

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6 Comments

  1. What a beautiful poem, Kristen! It’s easy to feel alone in any stage of motherhood, but there are always others who have been there before and they can offer the encouragement that we need.

    1. Thank you, Charlee. Indeed, it’s important to remember that we aren’t alone because others have gone before us. All mothers are tied together by a common thread – our children. I firmly believe we need to keep encouraging one another as we mother!

  2. Beautiful! You share your beautiful heart filled with Jesus with so many people! May you feel His peace today, His blessings and His joy today! Happy Mother’s day!

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