The MOTHER of All Holiday Triggers

The MOTHER of All Holiday Triggers: It's OK Not to Feel Celebratory on Mother's Day - THE SEAM

“As long as I can remember I have never liked Mother’s Day,” says Alison Hunsicker, a full-time homemaker and caregiver to her disabled husband, with four children, ages seventeen to thirty-two. “Even when I communicate my expectations to my partner and our children, the day falls short. The worst year resulted in me yelling, ‘I hate this f’ing family!’ and leaving in my car to be by myself for hours. I wonder why it is so difficult to just acknowledge the huge contribution I make as a wife and mother?”

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“On Mother’s Day I want her to feel special, but I stopped sending cards a few years ago after ending up on the floor in the card isle of my local Target bawling my eyes out. I feel pressure and guilt to come home for the holiday, but home doesn’t feel physically or emotionally safe.”

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“Grief has stages, and the final stage is acceptance. This stage comes with understanding your emotions, allowing yourself to experience the emotions and allowing yourself to enjoy life again. This of…