As I’m sure you can imagine, Mother’s Day is very close to my heart. After helping thousands of women become mothers through adoption, it is a wonderful day of remembrance. At the same time, it is bittersweet because for many years, there was also a lot of heartbreak when I was trying to become a mother and it just wasn’t happening.
All in all, Mother’s Day can be a wonderful time to remember our Mothers, but it is worth remembering that for many women, it can be a difficult day. Think not only of women who cannot conceive, but those who placed a child for adoption, have experienced the passing of their mother, or even those who had abusive mothers. Mother’s Day can not only be a fun, celebratory day, but also a trigger for some.
Sometimes, simply starting new traditions in our families or group of friends is a great way to be inclusive of all, yet remembering of those being honored. This can also happen in the work place, at church, or anywhere people are gathering or celebrating a day that honors some, but may be hurtful for others.
Here in California, May is often the height of the strawberry season. One local church celebrates Mother’s Day by serving a glass of strawberry lemonade to all the ladies in attendance that day. No one is asked if they are a mother, or given a flower, or made to stand. If you are a woman, you are graciously served a strawberry lemonade as part of honoring Mother’s Day.
Little things like that can make all the difference!
Just for fun, here’s a Strawberry Lemonade recipe for you to serve on Mother’s Day!
Strawberry Lemonade, California Style
1 12 ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate
2 25 ounce bottles sparkling water
8 fresh strawberries
Lemon slices, Mint springs
Place the frozen concentrate in a pitcher and mix according to the label directions, replacing water with the sparkling water. Put the strawberries in a blender and puree until very smooth. Mix the strawberry puree into the lemonade. Garnish with lemon slices and mint springs. Enjoy!
