5 Ways to Remember Mom on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day can be an emotional holiday for those who have lost their mothers. When dealing with a recent loss, the pervasive messages of Mother’s Day can be a bit overwhelming. If more time has passed, Mother’s Day may inspire you to do something special to honor the memory of the woman who will always remain in your heart.
Regardless of the amount of time that has passed, there are several ways that you can remember Mom this Mother’s day.
Ideas for Honoring Mom’s Memory
- Buy a Card
It’s hard to escape Mother’s Day cards for sale in the month of May. If the greeting card display makes you feel emotional, consider buying one that captures the feelings of your relationship with your mother. Thoughtful, serious or funny, the card you choose can help put your emotions and thoughts into words. Tap into those memories and write a note in the card. You can bring the card to your mother’s gravesite or keep it in a special place at home. - Set a Place
On Mother’s Day, set an extra place at the dinner table for Mom. You might include your mother’s photograph at the place setting as well. Keeping her seat at the table can help you feel as though she’s still included in the family meal. Along with this idea, each family member can share a special memory of Mom or Grandma before beginning to eat. Preparing your mother’s favorite dish or a special recipe she taught you is another way to embrace happy memories, rather than focusing on her absence. - Bring Flowers
Bringing flowers to your mother’s gravesite is a lovely way to pay tribute to her. While so many others are rushing about to buy last-minute gifts, cook meals or make visits to parents and in-laws, take the time to visit your mother’s gravesite for some moments of quiet reflection. A fresh arrangement of her favorite flowers can add some color and a touch of spring. If Mom’s gravesite is some distance away, ask a nearby family member or friend or the cemetery about placing a floral arrangement for you. Most Dignity Memorial providers have relationships with local florists to make ordering flowers easy. - Visit Another Mother
Mother’s Day can feel lonely if you can’t visit or call your own mother. Consider visiting a senior in a nursing home or senior center who might not otherwise have any visitors on Mother’s Day. If appropriate and permitted by the facility, younger children can also enjoy the visit. Instead of feeling alone with your memories on this holiday, use the day to bring joy to another mother. - Donate Your Time
They say charity begins at home, and many moms leave a legacy of giving. Keep her legacy alive by volunteering with a meaningful local organization on Mother’s Day. Serving meals at a local food pantry, planting new flowers or vegetables at a community garden or reading to children through a hospital program are examples of volunteer opportunities that might reflect your mother’s interests and allow you to spend an otherwise tough day in service to others.
Missing Mom on Mother’s Day is natural. However you decide to spend the day, experts agree that it’s most important for you to listen to your heart and allow yourself to do as much or as little as you are able. Giving yourself permission to grieve for and honor your mother in whatever way you need is essential for coping with a parent’s death.