Hope-filled Mother's Day

Today I am missing my little guy. There is nothing like a day that celebrates motherhood to magnify the hole in my heart and the ache in my arms. Yes, this is the second year I celebrate with a babe on earth, and what a sweet babe she is. But a mother loves ALL of her children, and never forgets the ones that aren't here. And although I think about and miss Luke every single day, the ache is stronger and the emotions are sharper on days like today. I am grateful for the little guy who made me a mother first, and for that Luke will always hold that special place in my heart. My firstborn baby. Oh how I miss you on my third mother's day without you.

Today my thoughts have also been heavily focused on others who spend the day either with mixed emotions or just plain sadness. Those children on earth without mothers, no matter how old those children were when they lost their moms. Those mothers on earth without their children, no matter how young their children were when they lost them. And those women who long to be mothers but for reasons beyond their control cannot. A fellow blogger had a lot to say on grief related to motherhood right here that really made me think about others who may be having a hard time today as well: http://mollypiper.com/2010/05/brokenhearted-love-give-it-live-it/

Here is a picture of us at the cemetery this morning, visiting Luke's grave. I wish the morning sun revealed a fourth shadow.

And here is a picture of my sweet second born, and my reason to smile again on Mother's Day.
Yes, I think I understand why the cemetery's most busy day is Mother's Day. A mother's bond with her child is a bond that cannot be separated by death. So until we are all reunited with our mothers and children, it is my prayer that you had a hope-filled mother's day.