For the single woman who goes to church alone. She sits there watching women walk hand in hand with their husband, children in tow. All she wants is for her pain of being alone to end, and to finally be who she has always dreamed of being; a mother.
To the mother who wakes to an empty pillow beside her. She knows that soon the children will have to be fed, dressed, and finally herded into the vehicle where she hopefully will arrive on time. Next she will have to keep them quiet before finally sending them off for a few hours of peace. If she’s lucky. She never meant to be doing this alone, but here she is, just keeping her head above water.
For the beautiful woman who does wake to the love of her life, but through no fault of her own, it’s always just been the two of them. She sighs and then puts on her brave face. Today she chooses to sit behind a family of six. Her eyes fill with tears when she sees that mother in front of her cuddle her three year old close. That women has no idea how lucky she is.
To the woman who has a child but can’t seem to have more. Her body and heart still aching from the latest loss, she showers and tries to pick the outfit that compliments her ever changing body the best. The sweetest elderly woman in the back stands and gives her a hug. She winks and asks when she plans to have the next. The words sting, but she smiles anyway.
For the woman who once felt the overwhelming joy of holding her own child, but now sits empty handed. She made it to church without a single tear this year! But the children stand up to sing to their mothers and she can all but hold it together. Her daughter would be five this year. It’s been so long that others don’t see the empty spot where she should be. But the mother does.
Finally, to the mother who was up all night with her there year old. On the outside her life is great, she has a loving husband and six beautiful children. They always look put together and she prides herself on that. But, she sacrifices her wellbeing for her children. Isn’t that what mothering is about? Sacrifice? Oh, how nice it would be to have time to herself.
I couldn’t cover them all, but I can assure you, all of these mothers will be sitting in our midst today. We have no ideas the battles behind the smiles we see. Motherhood is so much more than being a physical mother. We are all mothers in one way or another. How grateful I am to know that through incredible pain comes immense joy.
To all the broken today, you are not alone. Please never feel alone. I love you, and as women I know that we will all reach out our arms in love and compassion to you. Look around you and see the wonderful women of strength we have to look up to.
Today may be painful. But it won’t always be like that. That, I can promise you.
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