Father’s Day as a Widowed Mom: A Journey of Strength and Love
Father’s Day can be a poignant reminder for families who’ve experienced loss.
As a widowed mom, this day brings a mix of emotions, but it also offers a chance to celebrate the love, strength, and resilience that define our families. Here’s how I navigate Father’s Day and turn it into a day of honor and remembrance.
Embracing the Emotions
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge and embrace the emotions that come with this day. Whether it’s sadness, nostalgia, or even a sense of pride, every feeling is valid. Allowing myself and my children to express our emotions openly has been crucial in our healing process. We talk about Craig, share memories, and sometimes, we shed a few tears together. This openness has strengthened our bond and made us more resilient.
Honoring His Memory
Craig & Matthew playing dress up at Target!
Father’s Day is a perfect opportunity to honor the memory of Craig. We use this day to embrace the continued relationship the kids have with their dad.
We do this in various ways—by visiting his favorite places, cooking his favorite meal, or watching his favorite movies. Sometimes, we go through old photo albums and tell stories, ensuring his presence remains a part of our lives.
This tradition helps my children remember their father’s love and the good times we shared, fostering a sense of connection despite his absence.
Creating New Traditions
While we honor the past, it’s also important to create new traditions that reflect our current family dynamic. By creating these new traditions, we’re able to look forward to the day and celebrate it in a way that’s meaningful for us. It’s a way of redefining Father’s Day, not just as a reminder of loss, but as a day of family togetherness and joy.
Celebrating Other Role Models
Craig, My dad, My son, and my daughter
Father’s Day is also a time to celebrate the other male role models in our lives. Grandfathers, uncles, family friends, or even close mentors can play significant roles. We make sure to express our gratitude and appreciation for their presence and influence.
This not only broadens the scope of the celebration but also highlights the community of support surrounding us.
We usually spend time with my dad, letting the kids embrace the joy and love that is intended for the day is equally important as holding space for Craig.
Self-Care and Reflection
As a widowed mom, it’s essential to take care of myself on days like these. I ensure I carve out a little time for self-care, whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, a walk in the park, or simply reflecting on my journey. Recognizing my own strength and resilience gives me the energy to support my children and continue building a loving, nurturing environment for them.
Part of the self-care I practice on Father’s Day is practicing gratitude. I take time to acknowledge the man that Craig was and how the way he lived his life is very much a part of the way I raise our kids, so I am grateful for the influence he continues to have. I also have gratitude for my ability as a parent. This day raises conscious awareness around the complexity that is my role as sole parent. I have to be both mom and dad, and that is a feat in and of itself. By practicing gratitude, I am able to acknowledge that this life can be hard and our “normal” is just as good as everyone else’s. I really appreciate my relationship with my children as we navigate this experience together.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Craig and our daughter
While Father’s Day can be bittersweet, it’s also a reminder of the love that endures and the strength we’ve cultivated as a family. We look ahead with hope, knowing that the values and memories of their father will always be a part of us.
This day becomes not just about what we’ve lost, but about the love we continue to share and the future we’re building together.