When Mother's Day Hurts

The Beautiful Mess by John Pavlovitz Podcast · May 10, 2026 · 3m

Mother’s Day.

For many people, that means flowers, handmade cards, Sunday brunches, and waves of laughter. It means celebration, and gratitude, and warm embraces, and great rejoicing. It means resting fully in loving and being loved.

But not for some people.

For some, it only means tears.

For some, it just hurts.

In the hearts of many, this day is a bitter, unsolicited reminder of what was but no longer is, or a heavy holiday of mourning what never was at all.

Maybe it is such a day for you.

It might bring crushing grief for the empty chair around a table.

It might come with stinging regret…