Saturday, May 10, 2003, marked our annual Motherless Daughter's Day luncheon and Circle of Remembrance ceremony.

It struck me that this was such a strange and sad event.  "Our mother's are dead, let's have lunch".  And although the room was bright and there was lots of laughter, the sadness was palpable.

Healing is what we are all looking for and great healing takes place when we feel understood, when we feel like we fit in somewhere and when we know we're not alone.  

That’s what I hope for in hosting this event and I believe that’s what was achieved.  It’s not fun to have to go through mother’s day every year.  With each other’s help, however, it’s a little easier.  

This year I spoke about what’s “normal” for us vs. for women who grew up with their mothers.  It was comforting to see the sea of hands fly up when I read a list of our common traits and asked everyone to raise their hands if they related.  Clearly we have been shaped by our loss and we are survivors.  My wish for us is that we not just survive, but prevail.  

I want to thank the motherless daughters who attended this year and also praise them for their courage.  It takes great courage to go to a strange place, perhaps alone, and enter a room full of unfamiliar women, knowing that the event will be both healing and painful at the same time.  It’s these brave women who will ultimately prevail.  Can we bring her back?  No.  Can we live a long, healthy, full and fulfilling life?  I think we can, I hope we can.  Will we always miss her?  You bet. 

Thank you also to the motherless daughters who spoke and shared some of themselves with us.  I look forward to seeing all of you next year.