Remembering Mom

Mother's Day is right around the corner. For some, this is one of the most special days of the year, while for others, it's one of the saddest. Either way, it's a time set aside to honor your mother -- whether she's here or already passed on. Celebrate your mother for the person who she is or was and how she raised you.

If you are blessed enough to have your mom still with you, take her to lunch or dinner at her preferred restaurant. Bring her some flowers or her favorite sweet treat. Tell her that you love her and appreciate everything she's done for you. If you can do more, take her to a spa for the day or for a makeover. A shopping trip or visit to a local vineyard are all amazing ideas. The goal is spending one-on-one time with her, showering her gratitude and affection.

You can also write her a letter or even include a personalized note in a Mother's Day card. If you aren't sure what to say, look for a poem online written specifically for Mother's Day. Thoughtful words, whether spoken or penned, will mean more than any material item you can purchase.

However, if your mom has died, Mother's Day will conjure up many emotions -- both sad and happy. If your mother's death were recent, you may not want to celebrate, which is OK. Just make sure to let others around you know that ahead of time, so they don't surprise you with a special card or flowers.

If you do feel up to memorializing your mom, there are several honorable traditions can you follow such as bringing flowers to the cemetery, having a special dinner with family and friends either at home or at your mother's favorite restaurant, or tending to a garden and planting some of her best-loved flowers, all which can help heal a broken soul or heart.

Another way of dealing with grief on Mother's Day is by finding or writing a special poem in memory of your mom. Online, you can find a variety of funeral poems for mothers that are suitable to use. These are typically written by those whose mothers have died and understood the pain and emptiness that are felt. You can also try your hand at writing poetry. Just write down what you are feeling. Share it with family members or put it away for safekeeping.