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Christine Vaughan Davies's avatar

Oh I feel seen by this post. As a hospital chaplain, I know that mother and father's day is so devastating for people. I was with a family whose mother who died on Sunday and their adult child noted that it added insult to injury that her death was on that day.

In my own loss journey related to fertility, I have way too many stories of "well wishers" who meant well but caused me pain when telling me happy mother's day, while I was miscarrying. Even though my life is different now, I still avoid church on that day. I tell people all the time that they have permission to do whatever feels supportive to them on that day, or any day where grief feels especially tender.

Jessica Shannon, M.Div, BCC's avatar

Yes, I was a peds chaplain for many years. Losing a child changed how those days felt for parents. In my book -came out last month- I discuss church on Mother’s Day.

Jessica Shannon, M.Div, BCC's avatar

@Christine Vaughan Davies Head to my book’s site here. You can read my Mother’s Day chapter for free by clicking on the chapter 11 pdf. https://www.sutrahouse.com/books/cml077vxw0000lb04pa71ymyu

Christine Vaughan Davies's avatar

Oh very cool, I'll check it out!