A virtual Mother's Day hug from me.

The young mom was crying inconsolably in the lobby of our hospital. For once, I was not waiting as a patient, but rather waiting to pick up my husband. As my children and I sat, I tried to avert my eyes, but they were drawn to her anguished face. The gentleman she was addressing was speaking very softly, very calmly and trying to comfort her.

My daughter texted me from two seats down: “I need to hug her, Mom.” And I could only nod. I was feeling exactly the same way.

As a matter of fact, two weeks have passed and still, I need to hug this mom. I need to ease her burden in some tangible way. As I entered the hospital yesterday, I desperately searched all the faces, hoping to find her’s.  I am honestly not sure what I would have done if she had been there.  She doesn’t know me. She doesn’t know that I overheard her grief two weeks ago. I don’t even know why she and her child were at the hospital. But I serve the One who does. I am thankful God knows her name, knows her pain and loves her and her child in ways I can not even fathom.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with some Moms whose children will have the same spinal surgery this summer that my Benjamin had last summer. It is a privilege to be able to offer them encouragement through addressing their concerns about what surgery and post-surgery look like.

At one point, I looked into the tear-filled eyes of one of the moms and was transported back to this week last year when those tear-filled eyes belonged to me. I so wanted to lift her burden, to help her carry it. But all I could offer was my own experiences and a hug from one mom to the other.

As we approach Mother’s Day this weekend, I can not help but think of these moms, of women walking the hardest of roads this season with sick children, children needing surgeries, recovering from surgeries and fighting for their lives.

So this Mother’s Day, I am praying for a day that is more than just greeting card-hype. I am asking God for a day to celebrate the over-comers, the cheerleaders, the ones who push and pull and hope and dream for their children even when their children can’t.

Oh hurting Mamas, I know. I know that motherhood has been more than cute clothes, photogenic moments and Pinterest projects. I know you have spent more time in hospitals and learning about IVs and catheters and pain meds than you ever dreamed possible. Oh, I know these were not the days you dreamed of when you discovered you were expecting.

I know.

So today, I am asking God to bless the Mom who navigates doorways, elevators and halls lovingly pulling in her daughter’s outstretched arms while protecting that sweet girl's speaking-device, and pushing the wheelchair simultaneously. Oh Mom, I pray that this weekend, you feel cherished, and celebrated.  I am asking God to help you find the joy in your daughter’s beautiful smile and see the love that shines from her eyes. I pray that you put aside all your fears of her upcoming surgery and just embrace the gift of mothering her.

And to the mom grieving so in the lobby two weeks ago: I am praying that today is brighter for you and your child. I pray that whatever the pain, the hurt, the sickness, that today your child is healing and feeling better. And even if he is not, I am begging God on your behalf to give you strength and peace that only He can provide.

And for you dear Moms all around the country facing struggles today, I ask God to bless you. I am asking Him to help you look into the face of the precious gift He trusted with YOU and feel blessed no matter what trial you and your little ones are facing. Every child is a gift. Every Mom is blessed.

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  Hebrews 6:10

God knows, dear ones. God sees the work you do on behalf of the gifts He has given. He knows the hours spent in doctor's offices, surgical waiting rooms and walking the floors. He knows the tears you cry and the joys you count. He knows. And He does not forget.

May His peace wrap you up this Mother's Day and help you count every gift as joy. 

Happy Mother's Day, my friends. Happy happy day of mothering. You are loved.