Mother’s Day

Today is Mother's Day in the UK.

Mother’s Day is a beautiful celebration, but it can also bring a wave of complicated emotions. For those mourning a mother or a child. For those longing to be mothers but couldn’t, for whatever reason. For those who mother in ways that aren’t always recognised, because being a mother isn’t just about giving birth. For single mothers and mothers who don’t have anyone making today special for them.

I see you. You are wonderful, you are enough, and you are so incredibly loved.

This is my 45th year without my mother, and even as a mother myself, there’s always an undercurrent of loss on this day. A reminder of what I never had. A day when I’ve often felt out of step with the world, carrying that feeling with me unconsciously for 27 years, until I became a mother and added a new layer to it. Now, I am celebrated, but the past doesn’t simply fade away.

And then there are the little things that hit harder than they should. This morning, my sweet husband went to get me my favorite coffee from Blank Street—my small Mother’s Day treat—only to be told they didn’t have any coffee. Not a big deal, right? I can make coffee at home. But grief is funny like that. When you’re already emotionally raw, the smallest thing can feel like confirmation of an old, unspoken fear-that you’re not cared for, that you’re not seen. Of course, that’s not the truth, but loss has a way of whispering lies, even when you know better.

So today, I’m thinking of all of you who find this day difficult. Especially those facing their first Mother’s Day without their mother or child. You are strong. You are seen. You are loved. And even if no one says it to you today, let me say it: You matter.

Be kind to yourself today.

Love, Adina