Mother's Day.

Today is the day that I thank God for letting me be a Mom. Motherhood is the single thing I have done that I am the proudest of. How blessed am I to have gotten to give birth to and raise two of the most amazing grown up people I know? Why did God see fit to be so extravagant in His blessings toward me with those two little people who called me Mommy? How blessed am I that my children are alive for me to talk to whenever I want?

This weekend I've thought of two women I know who have experienced the unfathomable grief of loosing a daughter to death.

One is a woman who is experiencing her first Mother's Day without her first-born. My childhood friend passed away last November. This week when I was buying card for my mother and mother-in-law, I picked one up for her. I cried at the thought of her pain this Sunday. I prayed she'd feel a little loved through that card. Then there are my friend's two kids she left behind at the ages of 18 and 20. No mom to wish a Happy Mother's Day to.

The other woman is a friend who lost her (only child) daughter (age 20) in a car accident four years ago. Every time I talk to her on the phone (which is not often enough) she talks about her beloved daughter. When would you ever stop being someone's Mom?

Then there is the family I know who are likely celebrating their last Mother's Day with their very sick mom.

So this Mother's Day please join me in praying for those who will find this to be a painful day. Give them an extra hug. You gotta know they are so very aware of the hole in their hearts.

Be sensitive. Be compassionate.