How I Get Through Mother’s Day, Without My Mother
I remember my first Mother’s Day without my mother (if you’re a new reader, she went to Heaven in 2013). Holidays and birthdays were torture for me. Christmas is still a doozy because my mother adored that holiday. Like, her adoration brought out the most obnoxious decorations imaginable.
But Mother’s Day was that “if you’re available” kind of holiday. She didn’t make a big stink about it, so “if I was available” I’d come home for her infamous homemade Maryland crab cakes, fried cabbage and potato salad. When she passed I deeply missed that option of “if you’re available” come enjoy my company and grub on my infamous homemade Maryland crab cakes, fried cabbage and potato salad.
Through my grieving process, I realized that I had to re-imagine the love my mother and I had shared.
My Aunt Katy is my favorite aunt (she’s my dad’s sister). What’s even more hilarious and endearing about that is that the feeling is totally mutual. She will tell you, without pause, that I am her favorite niece. It’s her greeting announcement whenever I walk into the room. My Aunt Katy has been instrumental in my grieving process, specifically getting past the hurt that I felt on Mother’s Day.
Through my Aunt Katy, I was able to see the love that I still had here. Because of her love for me, she picked up all those broken pieces from the void of my mother. And sure she can’t put that fixture of love back together again (I mean, it was my mother ya know!), it’s nice to have someone help me carry those broken pieces.
And for that I thank my Aunt Katy.
Of course I am going to visit her this Mother’s Day but I will not be coming just to enjoy some infamous homemade Maryland crab cakes, fried cabbage and potato salad. I decided to get her a gift to show her how much I appreciate her. She’s read my blog and stalks me on Facebook so I can’t actually show you the gift until after the holidays. But I wanted to at least share with you the Hallmark Signature Mother’s Day card that I picked out.
Normally I hate picking out cards. It’s depressing and boring at the same time. Some cards are filled with meaningless words and others send me into a bubble-snot crying fit. But this trip was super easy. The Hallmark sign was visible from the moment you entered the Walgreens. So I didn’t need to ask a sales associate where the card aisle was. My local Walgreens is also right off the subway. #Winning
There were so many card selections featuring our fellow brown girl beauties, which totes made me smile. I love that I can walk into a store and buy something that reflects me. After swooning over all the black girl imagery, I opted for a card that spoke directly to my needs.
I found a card generic enough for the love I share with my Aunt on Mother’s Day (because, she’s technically not my mother) but specifically explained my love!
#WontHeDoIt
Also, it’s gold and white. And you know that makes everything better! So…you’ve got just a few days to head out and grab a card that personifies your love for your mom! Here’s a tip: Walgreens has great Mother’s Day cards 🙂
Disclosure: I was asked to participate in the #HallmarkAtWalgreens #CareWithACard campaign, sponsored by Hallmark at Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.
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