Mothers don’t admit the relief that sometimes comes after her child has died. But her body feels it. Her mind knows it. Her chores are different. She has time for herself again. And she feels guilty. Mum, it’s okay to release relief.

What do you do with a happy thought, a happy memory, or a happy moment you have after your child has passed away? Do you suppress it? Pretend it doesn’t exist? Lie to yourself and others about them? Or do you experience the happy after hurt? Happy times come after you’ve lost your child, and there is a freedom in allowing yourself to experience them.

I’ve lost both of my children and I am free. I’m free from the daily cares of motherhood. I’ve never said this out loud before, but this freedom is as much a part of my motherhood as a mum as my hurts and pains. What I have lost has made me free.

Now that I’ve said it, during the next three weeks, we’re going to explore what “lost and free” means for a Mum. Join us!

Julia Jackson is not one of us. But, in some ways she is. While her son is currently hospitalized, and possibly paralyzed for the rest of his life, she spoke words of wisdom for us all when she said, “we have to examine our hearts.”

My favorite sports team was just swept in the playoffs. Four games to none. Disgusting. The next day, the coach was fired. He should have been. Like him, I’ve been fired, too. Maybe I should have been. I don’t know. What I do know is that being fired is not the end of my story.

This Thankful Thursday I’m grateful for the support that grounds me and makes me strong. I learned about support from yoga. Let me explain ...

How are you doing? Have you checked in on yourself? Are you okay? You know, it’s okay to be okay. It’s good to be good.

Today, I’m thankful for three simple words: Not Right Now. Learning to say these words in my mind, in my heart and out of my mouth have been life changing. Not Right Now. It’s how I’m learning to enjoy me!

I used to try to hide my scars. I don’t any more. They prove that I’ve been through something. Came through something. And I’m living with something that makes me special.

Michelle Obama is a Mum. She has low level depression. So do I. But I’m still thankful on this Thankful Thursday,, I’m depressed and angry, but thankful for an outlet to talk about it. Let’s talk about it, Mum.