Suggestions for Honoring Mother's and Father's Day
The following suggestions are some ways to celebrate your parenthood on these difficult days...
- Acknowledge that you are parents.
- Be gentle with yourselves. Do only what you can handle. Acknowledge that this day could be difficult and determine how you can comfortably spend the day.
- Alert yourself to the most difficult challenges of the day, such as attention given to moms and dads at church. Some parents have talked to their clergy about the importance of recognizing all parents at these celebrations.
- Family gatherings may make you feel uncomfortable. Discuss this with your family and let them know that you appreciate their love and support, but that you may not be able to attend or manage your composure throughout the entire day. Assure them that these feelings will not be forever.
- Plan ahead. Waiting until the last minute can cause frustration and hurt feelings.
- Share with family and friends how they can help make your day a special one. Sometimes they need specific suggestions, such as sending you a card, flowers, or a donation to Share or another favorite charity in your baby’s name.
- Treat yourselves to a special gift, an outing, or flowers. Send each other cards for these special days.
- Remember your baby by lighting a candle, placing a rose on the alter or dinner table, or planting a tree or bush.
I Am A Mother
I am a mother
But like most others
I am a special mother
I held my son
Even though only in my womb
I am a mother
Even though my son is no longer
At least...not on earth
He lives in heaven
With our sweet father
Which is far better
I am a mother
Like most others
To an angel...to whom I gave birth
I am a mother
Like most others
Who doesn’t get to throw parties
For those special occasions…like birthdays
Instead, we hold a silent party...in our hearts and heads
I am a mother...unlike some
Who hold their babies in their arms
I am a mother...who holds her son
So close to her heart
I am a mother...some beg to differ
I am a mother...though some may not agree
I am a mother
Who’s child is no longer with her
But...I am a mother
I am a mother...who can only dream
Of the day she holds her baby
For the first time in her arms
But never lets him leave her heart
I am a mother
Far from my son
But I am a mother…who will never forget
The day she lost her first son
I am a mother...who dreams
Of a rocking chair in heaven
Where I will someday...hold him close
When he cries or when I kiss him goodnight
I am a mother who…
Instead of holding my son’s hand
For the first day of school
Holds onto memories
That will never come true
I am a mother...who visits a cemetery instead of a school
I am a mother...who will never see
What her child will grow to be
I am a mother who cries herself to sleep...sometimes
I am a mother who sometimes rocks herself
I am a mother who gets to wonder what would be
I am a mother who wonders...What would he be?
Most of all...I Am A Mother
Written by Patricia Hollie
In memory of her son Brady Michael Peirson born asleep October 6, 1997
A Childless Father
A childless father sits silent
His still baby in his mind
His grief looked down upon
Didn’t he suffer a great loss?
A childless father fell to his knees
He screams to God in anger
He was shaken to his core
Didn’t his child deserve to live?
A childless father is strong and tall
Let him be helpless by his wife
Let him grieve so that his heart heals
Didn’t he suffer a great loss?
A childless father needs support
He is angry and sad because of his pain
He lost his child and the dreams of that life
Didn’t his child deserve to live?
Written by Tara Luning
For her husband Michael
