An open letter to women who aren’t celebrating this Mother’s Day

If your Facebook newsfeed was anything like mine yesterday, you probably saw countless glowing posts of moms and their kids (whether toddlers, teenagers, or grown adults) — each one oozing with delight, love, and gratitude.

Motherhood is challenging, heart-rending, and beautiful. And it should absolutely be celebrated.

But I want to take a moment to celebrate the women who aren’t celebrating this Mother’s Day.

Women who want children but don’t have any. Women who’ve loved and lost before they could hold the child in their arms. You’re not less of a person because you’re not a mom. You’re incredibly brave.

Those who’ve said goodbye to their mom or child who was too young to die. It’s okay to cry — no matter how many years they’ve been gone. You’re not alone.

Those with broken mother-child relationships where the wounds cut deep, perhaps wishing to hear an acknowledgement of gratitude or maybe the words “I’m proud of you.” You’re worthy of love.

To each of you hurting this Mother’s Day: you matter and you’re worth celebrating. Facing disappointments, loss, heartbreak, and more takes remarkable courage.

Here’s to YOU — an incredible woman who’s strong and brave (perhaps more than you realize).