Mother's Day can be a difficult time for those who have lost their mums. If you have recently lost your mum or are still struggling to cope with the grief that Mother's Day prompts then we have some tips on how you can work through your grief and turn Mother's Day into a celebration of your mum's life.

Coping With Loss

There is no right or wrong way to deal with the loss of a loved one. The grieving process is different for everyone. When you lose someone your whole life can change in an instant and thus you're not just coping with the loss but also the profound impacts that loss has on your life. It is important to remember that grief can look different for everyone and that it might feel chaotic and out of control, but these feelings will eventually become less intense over time.

Acknowledge Your Grief

While it may be difficult at first, you need to acknowledge your grief. What we mean by this is you need to recognise that what you are feeling is bereavement. According to the NHS, some of the most common symptoms include:

  • shock and numbness – this is usually the first reaction to loss, and people often talk about "being in a daze"
  • overwhelming sadness, with lots of crying
  • tiredness or exhaustion
  • anger – towards the person you've lost or the reason for your loss
  • guilt – for example, guilt about feeling angry, about something you said or did not say, or not being able to stop your loved one from dying

Once you are able to recognise your emotions as grief you can begin to work through them. This may take some time and you might not be ready but it is important to seek support when you are feeling overwhelmed. Try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor. There are many organisations across the UK that you could also contact for support such as Cruse Bereavement Care.

Coping on Mother's Day

There are many ways you can honour and remember your mum this Mother's Day. Keeping her in your memories, and in your heart, will ensure that her legacy will live on forever.

Do Something she Loved

Whether it’s gardening, baking, knitting or watching her favourite soap or old film, having a go at your mum's favourite hobby is a wonderful way to reconnect with her memory. You may discover why she loved it so much and even find a new hobby for yourself!

Visit Your Mother's Final Resting Place

Visiting your mother's grave or where you scattered her ashes is another way to remember your mum this Mother's Day. Mark your visit by taking some flowers in her favourite colour and talk to her about how much she meant to you. 

Keepsake Cushions

Photo Cushions are a fantastic way to create unique keepsakes, laden with the memories that mean the most to you. We can take your photos, either physical or electronic ones, print them to special washable cotton and incorporate them into your cushion.  

Make a Scrapbook or Photo Album

Rediscover old photos and make something truly special in the form of a memory scrapbook or photo album. Creating a scrapbook is a fun and creative way to make a lasting visual memorial to your mum. Include memorabilia from trips you have taken together and include some details about their favourite hobbies and interests. Along the way, you’ll probably discover some wonderful memories you’ve forgotten.

Continue your Favourite Traditions

If you had a particular tradition that you and your mum did on Mother's Day, why not keep that alive. Whether it was visiting a particular park you both loved, cooking your favourite meal or getting the whole family together, spending time in a place where you feel close to your mother's memory is a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day.

Keepsake Bears

Our gorgeous keepsake memory bears are the perfect way to re-use and treasure special clothes that you just can't bear to let go of. Sometimes a single item of clothing can bring memories flooding back, and that's why our Female Cardigan/Jumper Memory Bear is so popular.

Our special Ashes Pocket Memory Bear includes a pocket where you can keep a small sample of their ashes, alongside the fact you also have a beautiful bear made with their most beloved and treasured clothes. 

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Visit where your mother grew up and discover all the places she used to tell you about from her own childhood. This is a lovely way to connect a place with real memories. You may also wish to visit her favourite spot or where she spent most of her time. If you have kids of your own, you can show them where you grew up and share lovely memories of their grandmother.

We hope you have been able to find a few ideas on ways to spend Mother's Day remembering your loved one. If you would like to see more of our memory bears and grown-up keepsakes, please click here.


Post By Rosie Burnman