As we approach Mother's Day, there are some simple practices we can follow that can help us navigate.

Engage in activities that bring you peace and help you focus on good memories. This is different for everyone. I find that walking with my playlist to accompany me helps. It allows me time to feel all that I need to, let tears fall, pray, remember.

Contemplate how you wish to spend the actual day and who you wish to spend it with.

Location is important on days that have greater capacity to trigger our grief. Do you wish to stay home? Are you spending time with family? What location feels safest for you? What do you want your environment to feel like, sound like, look like?

There may be Mother’s Day activities at church or in your community. Consider whether they will be helpful to you or cause further pain. You do not have to attend functions that make the day more difficult.

Treat yourself to something that brings joy and helps you honour your child’s memory. If it helps you, talk about your child and share memories of them.

Each of our situations are different. If you have family who usually honours Mother’s Day with you, talk to them about what you need this year.

Spend time in God’s Word, allowing his comfort to settle around you. Lament as you need; tell God everything you feel.