Mother's Day...

Hello, May. You snuck up on me this year, but I knew you must have arrived when every one of my senses was suddenly overwhelmed with all you bring. Colors everywhere - bright and unashamed greens, pinks, yellows, purples. Bright blue sky showing off fluffy white clouds. Everything is singing - birds greet each rising sun a bit earlier every day now, trees and baby leaves rustle in the breeze. Any time I open a door the smells of flowers, grass, pollen, rain, mud...all things spring are inescapable. Sun warmed skin is a fresh and very welcome feeling.

I know then that since you are here, May, Mother’s Day is coming. At A Haven, we are honored to know so many incredible mothers. We bear witness to the unmatched grace and resilience women display as they carry their families forward after the death of a spouse, partner, coparent. Of Moms taken too soon we have heard stories so vivid and authentic we can practically feel the warmth of that motherly hug; there is nothing in the world quite like it. We have also witnessed the pain that takes over when the relationship was fraught or complicated; when we thought we would have more time to make it right, and then suddenly that hope is gone. 

We admire and adore the wonderful Mothers we are so fortunate to meet precisely because the gift of a Mother’s love, powerful and unique, is painfully missing for many. If your Mom has died, or your partner has died and left children behind, Mother’s Day can be intensely painful. At A Haven we know this truth and we grieve with you. We also know that it is a wonderful day of celebration for many, and that even for those who cannot celebrate with their Mom, it is still possible to celebrate her memory and to lovingly share the day with the other motherly figures in your life.

It occurs to me again every year that spring is the perfect season for Mother’s Day. The world is pouring out her gifts to us, as so many Mothers do. As winter ends, no matter how harsh a season it was, Mother Earth gathers her strength and prepares to bloom again, as so many Mothers do, so that we can benefit from all of that beauty and newness. So that we can be reminded that growth and loveliness will come again if we just keep moving. She leads us to this truth by her consistent example, as so many Mothers do. 

This year, if you are able to celebrate with your Mom, your A Haven family wishes you a beautiful and joy filled day focused on giving back to the one who has given you so much. If you are not able to celebrate with your Mom, for whatever reason, know that we are with you and that you are not alone. Also know that the spirit of nurturing love lives both within you and all around you. All you need to do is open your door to sense it.

Written by Kate Lannan, Community Services Director