Mother’s Day grief is real.

As a trauma and abuse survivor, I experience the loss of the mother I could have had and the mother I *did* have. This is the nature of trauma and grief recovery, and one example of how grief shows up in trauma.

I have tried a variety of things over the years to deal with it: try to ignore it, try to embrace it, make plans, hide for the day, get drunk (not my best strategy), go on a trip, stay home…The list goes on.

This year, I’m trying Radical Acceptance. Mother’s Day will be a tough day for me. I have Big Feelings about it. One of the ways that I deal with it is to give myself and others resources to help in the process of healing.

So, when I got David Kessler’s email about his Mother’s Day offerings, I felt compelled to tell y’all about it. Here are the two free workshops he’s offering. Individuals are welcome to take one or both.

When You’re Grieving Your Mom

While this workshop focuses on the death of a mother, I believe it will be applicable to estrangement. The “Navigating your feelings” and “Complicated relationships” look especially intriguing. Here’s what else will be covered in this workshop:

The unique grief of the death of your mother
Coping with Grief
Navigating your feelings
Complicated relationships
Changing roles
Getting the support you need
Creating new traditions that honor your loved one

Take a look here for more info and to sign up.

When You’re a Mother Grieving the Death of a Child

While many will say, “It’s not fair to compare grief,” – and I get that – I also know that there is no other grief like losing a child. This is an unjust and devastating experience, and I am grateful that this workshop is available. Here’s what will be covered in this workshop:

The unique grief of the death of a child
Creating a plan for the day
Grief bursts and love bursts
Guilt, anger, and the what-ifs of grief
Understanding your individual grieving style
Finding connections with people who really get it

Take a look here for more info and to sign up.

Who Is David Kessler?

David is a good dude. Here’s his official bio on a recent email:

David Kessler is a grief specialist, speaker, and author of six books, including his latest bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He co-authored two books with Elisabeth Kubler Ross. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa.

David’s personal experience as a child witnessing a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital helped him begin his journey. For most of his life, David has taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about the end of life, trauma, and grief. However, despite his vast knowledge of grief, his life was turned upside down by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son.

David Kessler is a well-known grief expert. I think he’ll be offering some really good stuff here about Mother’s Day.

• Mother’s Day Trauma & Grief Recovery Round Up
• Honestly, Mother’s Day Can Suck It
• Fall 2024 Trauma & Grief Writing Group – Interested?
• Free Workshop on Mother’s Day Grief with David Kessler
• Trauma & Grief Go on Vacation With You

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