To the woman struggling to face this Mother’s Day,

I know this day may be a hard day. I know your heart is hurting and grieving. You long to be a mother and I know this day is a reminder that your womb is empty. Trust me, I know. I know moms everywhere are celebrated and you desire so deeply to relish in a role so special and honorary.

This Mother’s Day, I celebrate you. You are strong and brave. I celebrate you for not losing hope and being patient in the midst of God’s details. I celebrate you because infertility sucks and fertility treatment is exhausting emotionally, physically, and financially. Trust me, I know.

I celebrate you because the scar on your stomach represents a child who was welcomed into heaven’s gates sooner than you imagined. I know you’re grieving, mama. I celebrate you because it takes so much bravery to bury your baby. Mama, I’m sorry. I know the day you lost your baby it was heart wrenching—the ugly cry kind of heart wrenching.

I celebrate you because even though your baby left your womb far too early in pregnancy, you’re a mom. I know you were dreaming of life with her. I know you think of her often. And I’m so sorry for your loss.

Mama, I celebrate you because you take kids in that need a home until they find their forever home. Being a foster parent is not an easy job! We need more mamas like you in our world.

Mama, I’m so sorry the adoption process is taking forever. I know you desire so desperately to hold your baby in your arms. I celebrate you because adoption takes a special kind of mother’s heart and your babies are lucky to have you.

Mama, thank you for being a spiritual mom. Even though you may not have given birth, you are a mom to many. You have a mother’s heart. Never forget that.

Friend, I’m so sorry your mama is gone. I know it must be hard carrying on life without her. I’m sorry you can’t share this day with her and tell her how much you love her.

On this Mother’s Day, I remember you! You are not alone and you are not forgotten. To the mama struggling to face this Mother’s Day, I’m thinking of you.

Sincerely,
I once was you

This post originally appeared on the author’s blog.