Mother’s Day is the 2nd Sunday of every May, and is preceded by up to two solid weeks of inescapable pain. For some, not all, have lost their mothers for any number of reasons. Some, not all, grimace in pain with hearts being stabbed by all of the Mother’s Day commercials, and well wishes to those mothers who are lucky enough to still be here with their families.
I wouldn’t begrudge anyone of their well wishes, and celebrations of their mothers BUT I sure wish May 15th would hurry up and get here. Last year Mother’s Day fell on May 8th. Lucky us, only 8 days had to pass before we could breathe again. This year, not so much.
I think back to Mother’s Day past, and try to remember celebrating with my Mom. It’s been so long now I just can’t recall a single memory even though I know that we did. I know I gave her, or made her gifts. I know that I sent, or made her cards. I know that I sent flowers, or brought her presents. I know I did, but my memories are a black hole that I can’t fill in.
There has to be a medical term for selective memory loss….. (Thanks Google, there is.)
Selective amnesia -is a type of amnesia in which the victim loses certain parts of his/her memory. Common elements that may be forgotten: relationships, special talents, where he/she lives, abilities in certain areas , and events such as concerts, shows, or traumatic events (e.g.: a death of a loved one).
I believe that this “selective amnesia” is a coping mechanism used by our brains when the pain is too traumatic. For instance, I have fogged over the entire 3 months from when I learned my Momma had a brain tumor, all the way up to the day of her funeral. Those memories are still there, but in a foggy way, not clear and horrible. I can, if I want, pull them up and remember them, but mostly my brain just glosses over them and skips that part of my life.
I tell you all of this as more of a release valve than anything. A reminder to my friends, and those who follow me, that if you’ve lost your mother I know what you are going through. I am here for you if you need me. My mother was my best friend, my partner in crime, my rock. Not a single day goes by that I don’t miss her, want to talk to her, or sit and stare at her picture. I still can’t believe that she’s gone, but I take heart that I will see her again. That thought makes the pain bearable.
This is my 11th Mother’s Day without my mother. My 11th everything without my mother. And my 11th reminder to those who haven’t lost their mothers to:
- Call your Mother
- Make up with your Mother
- Celebrate your Mother
- Forgive your Mother
- Love your Mother
For the rest of us, hang in there. Four more days to go.
House Cat in Paradise 