She took Chester’s hand and carefully wrapped his fingers around the kiss. “Now, do be careful not to lose it,” she teased him. “But, don’t worry. When you open your hand and wash your food, I promise the kiss will stick.”
Chester loved his Kissing Hand. Now he knew his mother’s love would go with him wherever he went.
-The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Mother’s Day can be a sad reminder to children that a loved one is not able to physically be with them. They may be missing a mom because of a death, deployment, or incarceration. Certain circumstances may not allow a child to see his or her mother. Talk to your children about ways to remember their mom. Allow the child to decide. Giving the child control can help with the grieving process. Children often feel as though their entire world has been turned upside down. Something terrible has occurred that was beyond their control.
Create rituals and traditions for the family on Mother’s Day. The National Alliance for Grieving Children wrote “Ten Ways to Help Grieving Children.”
Item number nine discusses creating rituals and new family traditions. “Rituals can give your family tangible ways to acknowledge your grief and honor the memory of those who have died. Lighting candles, recognizing special occasions, sharing stories about those who have died or volunteering with a local charity as a family are some ways you can incorporate new traditions or rituals.”
It is my hope that your family will be comforted by memories of your loved one.
How will your family remember a loved one on Mother’s Day? Please share your ideas and comment below.
If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together….There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart….I’ll always be with you.
– Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne
Looking For Rainbows 