For those for whom this day is hard

An awkward title for an awkward subject

Dear readers who have a complicated relationship with family, with parents, with mothers, with motherhood, with mothering, with being mothered, you are not alone.

Happy othered day. This is the day you give yourself love. This is the day you thank yourself. For being here. Even though it is hard every day. Even though you don't in this moment with this baggage feel safe. You are upright. You are carrying it. You are breathing. Find shelter. Find a safe place. Hold on tightly to yourself.

This is the day that memories ache. Anger resurfaces. It is a hard day.

Let the tears fall. Cry. You are not alone, my dear. Hold yourself tightly. We are here, we are still here. Tomorrow will be an ordinary day.

Image description: a little girl with a big smile and a pink jumpsuit sits on concrete blocks outside in front of a flowering garden with her mother who is in a paisley dress. They are both looking at each other and smilng.