28 Comments
User's avatar
Paula's avatar

Linda, this made me cry. I'm that mom. The one who hides and avoids. I just want to be home by myself. However, I have wonderful friends who manage to encourage me to come to Mothers Day dinner at their house. I didn't for several years, I just stayed home and sulked. But last year and this year I did go to their house and I had a lovely time with friends.

I truly appreciate you sharing this blessed letter with Sweet Tea & Friend's this month.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Paula, I thought of you when I wrote this because you have been transparent here about where you find yourself. How brave and smart of you to finally say 'yes' to those friends who love you. I admire that so much. It's too easy to stay home and sulk. But, sadly, that doesn't do much for us, does it ...

Expand full comment
Lisa Blair's avatar

Beautiful, heartfelt words for the grieving, Linda.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

It's so good to know there are others who absolutely get where we're coming from even if our stories are decidedly different.

Expand full comment
Maree Dee's avatar

Such a beautiful letter. Thank you. I will proudly feature it on my Pinterest board for Grace & Truth Featured Posts. You can see your article hereβ€”

https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh cool! I hope it will encourage someone along the way. Thanks for letting me know, Maree.

Expand full comment
Martha Jane Orlando's avatar

This is so timely and true, Linda. May our Lord let us all know that mothers or not, He loves us dearly. And if we are mothers or missing our own, may we give grace and love through us to share. Blessings!

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Grace and love. Yes please. Every day of the year ... but especially on those hard ones.

P.S.

I hope Danny is feeling a bit stronger every day ... and that you are recovering, too, friend.

ox

Expand full comment
Lois Flowers's avatar

This is expressed so beautifully, Linda. Thank you, friend.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

God bless you for the way you honor moms every day of the year, Lois. You've created a lovely resting place filled with sweet memories.

https://www.instagram.com/rememberingourparents/

Expand full comment
Joanne Viola's avatar

Beautifully expressed, Linda. There can be grief from varied circumstances but we must never minimize anyone's grief, or disappointment.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Yours is a tender, kind heart ...

Expand full comment
nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Beautiful, Linda. Just the right amounts of honesty, empathy, and encouragement for those that find Mothers' Day more painful than celebratory. We must not brush away their heartache.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Absolutely, Nancy. Mother's Day heartache is significant and deserves all of His tender lovingkindness in our response ...

Expand full comment
Jean Wise's avatar

so nicely written, Linda. Sometimes even with kids Mother's Day is full of tensions. I guess because this holiday is so full of expectations and "perfect" mothering on social media and doesn't really capture the reality of how hard it is to keep good relationships.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Yeah. Aren't you glad we didn't have all that social media stuff back in the day? I can't even imagine raising kids in today's social media/internet addictive, compulsive, unhealthy environment. It was hard enough to parent well without it.

Expand full comment
Jeanie Croope's avatar

This is so poignant, Linda. Those of us who haven't had a mother in more than 40 years still feel the loss on Mother's Day, wishing we could take them out for dinner or buy that pretty blouse they'd never get for themselves. It's easier now, but still.... these words are simply beautiful. Thanks for this (and for your visit and comment, too!)

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh I hear you so well, Jeanie. I think of my mom all the time. I'm guessing our moms might have been kindred spirits as my mom never thought of herself or her needs because she was always interested in everyone else and theirs. You and I would be talking about where to take them to buy those pretty blouses they'd never dream of getting for themselves.

Your thoughtful words are making my eyes brim. May this Sunday be filled with all the lovely memories that still remain ...

Expand full comment
Cheryl's avatar

What a beautiful letter! It brought me to tears as I thought of the many years Kevin and I longed for a precious baby of our own. Mother's Day was so difficult during those years. My heart goes out to all who are hurting this Sunday. Sending love and hugs to you today and thanking God for your kind, caring heart.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh yes, yes, Cheryl. Those who suffered for years still bear the scars. Your empathy and compassion for women who long to have a child but are not able will be a solace to others here who will hold your kind words in their hands and hearts.

Thank you for this grace.

Expand full comment
veronica lee's avatar

Linda, your heartfelt words bring comfort to those experiencing loss, especially on Mother’s Day. Your reminder that Jesus understands our deepest sorrows because He experienced them too is so reassuring. Thank you for your love and compassion. May we find strength and peace in His presence through every trial.

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Yours is a trusting, hope-filled prayer, Veronica - 'May we find strength and peace in His presence through every trial.'

Amen.

Expand full comment
Pam Richardson's avatar

β€œJesus knows exactly where we’re coming from. I believe our sadness and grief brings tears to His eyes. For He Himself has known abandonment, rejection, trauma, and death. He gets exactly where we’re at.” Thank you, Linda for your love and compassion!

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

So grateful for a compassionate Savior who bears our griefs and carries our sorrows.

Expand full comment
Nancy Agneberg's avatar

I know many will feel your kindness and understanding and compassion. I think (hope) many congregations have become more sensitive to the losses many women feel, but still....

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

Nancy, so good to reconnect this evening. Yes, you're right that many congregations have become more sensitive. Praise God. And then ... I'll hear another cringeworthy story or someone shares memories of past hurts that still need healing.

We're all works in progress. Help us Lord Jesus.

Expand full comment
Trudy's avatar

Thank you so much for all your love and compassion, Linda. This especially encourages my heart - "Jesus knows exactly where we’re coming from. I believe our sadness and grief brings tears to His eyes. For He Himself has known abandonment, rejection, trauma, and death. He gets exactly where we’re at." Amen! Love and blessings of strength and peace to you!

Expand full comment
Linda Stoll's avatar

So grateful this has offered you a bit of encouragement this evening, friend ...

Expand full comment