Mother's Day for the Wanna-Be's

Mother's Day can be a tough one for childless people like me. Surprisingly, it didn't bother me this year. I have learned that emotions really cannot be predicted. Why would I burst into tears during a random church service, but not on Mother's Day? Maybe expecting strong emotion is enough to keep it away. Anyway, I am just one person dealing with infertility. There are many, many more. If you truly want to understand how the infertile people around you are feeling, try reading some of these posts:

• "I Heard What You Said"- A sweet story about Mother's Day and reaching out.
• "Happy Mother's Day" - Mother's Day after miscarriages 
• "Infertility Is A Cruel Cruel World" - On surviving Mother's Day
• "Mother's Day 2014" - Kind gestures on Mother's Day

I noticed several thoughtful posts circulating last week, specifically here, here, here, and here. They encouraged people to remember people who may struggle on Mother's Day. I think we should try to be mindful of those around us, but still fully embrace joy. A friend may be mourning the loss of her mother, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate your own mother. Similarly, my lack of children doesn't mean that you should avoid celebrating yours.

On Sunday, I received messages and hugs from several friends. They realized it could be a tough day, so wanted to let me know they were thinking of and praying for me. I felt very loved. Mothers are worth celebrating. As I have said before, I don't want my infertility to dampen anyone else's joy. Kind gestures are deeply appreciated, but I would not want to shift the focus of the day to myself. Someday, Mother's Day will apply to me, and I look forward to that day!