Happy Mother’s Day
To all the oldest daughters who had to raise their siblings.
To all the adult children mourning a relationship they never had.
To all the kids who had to parent their parents.
To all the mothers who are breaking the cycle and showing up for their children the way they wished their own mothers had.
To all the pet parents and non-parents who are also breaking the cycle, because they know they aren’t healed from their own childhood. (Or maybe they just don’t want to have kids!)
To all the fully estranged, low contact, it’s complicated, and everything in between.
To *anyone* who feels stressed, sad, or angry every time you see another freaking Mother’s Day ad.
My birth mother abandoned me. My step mother raised me and both physically and emotionally abused me. She also loved me a lot and was a victim herself of being raised by another broken mother, both married to abusers. I’m sitting here now like I have been all week deciding if I will give her a text or a call today, one of the few points of contact we have all year. A big part of me doesn’t want to. Another big part of me absolutely does. I would prefer the holiday just didn’t exist. For me, it’s still a hell of a lot easier than Father’s Day.
You don’t owe her anything, and I understand. Whatever choice you make today, refrain from judging yourself and let it be okay. ❤️