Say her name: Mother’s Day when your mum has died
Motherless Daughters Australia
This Mother’s Day let’s celebrate all mum’s including the memories of those no longer with us.
It’s hard to escape the advertising and calls to ‘spoil mum’ are a painful reminder for those whose mums have died, made worse by well-meaning but misguided comments from others who simply don’t know what to say.
“Say her name” is the advice of Motherless Daughters Australia (MDA) to all who are motherless no matter how long since her death, a small, but powerful way to acknowledge and celebrate your mum or to show support to someone that may be sad in the lead up to Mother’s Day.
Mother Loss Awareness Week begins today, MDA Founders Danielle Snelling and Eloise Baker say that the organisation’s community of more than 25k women love hearing or seeing their mum’s name. “Saying a mum’s name not only validates that she lived but gives a person an opportunity to share a memory and celebrate her, it really is that simple“, Said Ms Baker. “Saying nothing to someone whose mum has died can add to their feelings of isolation on a day that so many are celebrating”, said Ms Snelling. “And please don’t say “She’s in a better place”, that brings no comfort”.
Suggestions on what to say or text include:
• “Today must be a really difficult, hard and sad day for you, I’m here if you need to chat or escape the day for a while”.
• “Thinking of you today. If you’d like to, I would love to hear about your mum – anything at all. Send me your favourite photo of her, too!”
• “Hey, just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you. I know today is a hard day for you and that you’re not alone”.
The organisation’s Mother’s Halo Cyclamen initiative is a beautiful way to honour ALL mums and the unique bond she has with her child, no matter your age or stage. The vibrant cyclamen is an ancient symbol of devotion and ever- lasting love. Purchase one to remember a mum or give a Mother’s Halo knowing you’ll be supporting someone missing theirs. 20 cents from every plant with the Mother’s Halo label will be donated to Motherless Daughters Australia.
Key Facts: Available online at Gardens Express – and selected retail outlets
About us: For more information including factsheets and resources on how to manage grief, visit www.motherlessdaughters.com.au.
