Today is the day we celebrate mothers all around the world. It’s a beautiful day filled with joy, laughter and lots of smiles; a day to appreciate the person who gave us life. A day to honor the sacrifice that Mom’s make for their entire lives. For those children who’s Mother has gained her wings, today is a hard day. We celebrate the life our Mom’s lived and cherish the memories we have, remembering dancing in the kitchen, and singing the silly songs, and the laughter that filled the room; her beautiful spirit always dwelling inside of us.

And still, for some of us who have outlived a child, today is a hard day.

Today is a bittersweet day for me, personally. Three years ago today, I learned of my firstborn son’s death, and I began a traumatic journey of living my life without one of my children. Three years ago today, my world stopped spinning, and I had to learn to navigate unchartered waters. My journey has not been easy. Burying my child almost took me down.

But God…

My friend Betsy always says, “I love the buts of the Bible.” Because we know that by the grace and mercy of God, we are able to accomplish the impossible. By God’s grace, I’m still standing. He has never left my side, and has allowed me to experience HIM in a way I never have before. God spoke to my heart and let me know Rob was with Him, and that Rob’s face will be the first face I see when I get to the other side.

God has blessed me with a faithful, God-fearing husband who loves me unconditionally, who has been my rock. He has blessed me with two other beautiful children and their amazing spouses. And He has truly blessed our family with our first grandchild on the way.

God has brought other grieving moms into my life, where we can share our loss together, knowing that we are not alone on this difficult journey. He has brought incredible friends into my life who have walked with me, and who have lifted my arms when I couldn’t lift them myself; friends who prayed with and for me when I was too tired, or too angry, or too sad, or too bitter to pray.

God doesn’t leave us to travel this treacherous road alone. He stays with us, and He sends others to remind us He’s still here. Lean on Him during the difficult moments.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

~Psalm 34:18 [NLT]

And so, from the bottom of my heart, I want to wish all mother’s out there a very Happy Mother’s Day. To all the mom’s who have lost a child, I want to remind you, that you will see your child’s face again, and it will be the most joyous beginning of your new life in Heaven.

Peace be with you.
Julia