I’m thankful for the ability to honor the memory of my child and to honor who I am as a Mum.

How does a Mum justify mourning her child when their relationship was a bad one, strained or even cut-off? You don’t. You mourn. You grieve. You are Mum.

Today, I’m thankful for today. Not because everything is good or great, but because it is. I will myself to be thankful today. And, rejoice.

The tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, makes me think of his wife, Vanessa. As Gianna’s mom, she is now one of us. And our love speaks to her hurt and pain and tears.

Yesterday, the dictionary word of the day was “nurture.” Today, on my wonderful goddaughter’s eighteenth birthday, I celebrate her. And I’m grateful for her and all those who I am able to nurture. As we say at SWC, though my child is gone, my motherhood lives on through her and all those I get to nurture. For that, I am thankful!

I just read an article entitled, “Mothers ‘weigh nearly three pounds more on average than childless women of the same age.’” The first line stood out. It says, “Women put on an extra three pounds in weight after becoming mothers compared with those who remain childless, major research has revealed.” And that pissed me off. The addition of the word “remain” implies choice. So, here’s my rant, from a childless woman.

It may sound odd, but I’m thankful for the blessing of grief. Here’s why.

Some days, Mum, I get jealous when I see mothers with their children. It reminds me that not only am I not a mother, I’m not going to be a grandmother either.

Today is a day to spend with family and friends. It’s hard for many of us, but we have to be thankful. Go enjoy! And be thankful!