In the natural order of things, parents do not plan to ever have to bury their children. Normally, children say goodbye to their parents and the circle of life continues with the next generation. Historically, I know there have been examples where children have been killed or died before their parents, but in my lifetime, I am seeing too many mothers having to bury their children causing unnecessary tears. Racism, police brutality, gun violence, gangs and other forms of violence need to cease, including Black-on-Black crime.
Years ago, when my son was in high school, I remember having a very eerie feeling that something was wrong. You know that gut reaction you have out of no where when it comes to your children? My son had gone to a football game at his high school, and it was getting late, and he had not come home. I was getting worried. Then my phone rang and as soon as I heard the male voice on the other end say, may I speak to Wendy Gladney? I knew it was the police. My heart sank and the first thing out of my mouth was just tell me if he is dead or alive? It was one of those calls I thought I would never have to receive, but to my delight it was something we could fix and with time everything worked out and my son came home alive. We survived a situation where some mother’s children do not return home.
There are too many names to list in this article, but the mothers of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Rayshard Brooks, Daniel Prude, Atatiana Jefferson, Philando Castile, and Stephon Clark are just a few where mothers have had to bury their children before their time. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to each mother that will not be able to celebrate this Mother’s Day with their children. As a mother and grandmother, I sympathize with your pain. We are standing with you.
Although I was not raised by my biological mother, I feel blessed because I was raised with love by my paternal grandmother who instilled in me the values that I still guide my life by every day. They are also the values I taught my children to guide them along their journey. I have also had a few women in my life that have served as positive role models during different seasons of my life, and I am grateful. Over the years I have also been able to serve as a “daughter” to a few women that have come into my life. We are a village with the capability of extending our arms of love to those in need.
If we desire the love of a mother or a child there are plenty of women that are willing to help fill that need, all we have to do is look around and extend ourselves. This Mother’s Day if you know someone that has lost a child take a moment to reach out to them and let them know they are not alone and they are not forgotten. If you are a mother looking for the love or attention of a child (young or old) think of someone you can sow into their life and provide them with your guidance and wisdom.
Someone once said, “Life does not come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” Mothers are the backbone for families and our communities. We need their strength, experience, love, and heart. If you are blessed to still have your mother with you, pause this Mother’s Day and let her know you appreciate her and everything she has done for you. If you know a mother that may be alone this year, let her know she is appreciated and not forgotten.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker. You can hear her every Wednesday on Instagram Live at 12 noon PST.
