Dr. Darnell A. Durrah

As Mother’s Day approaches, it stirs up a mix of emotions for me. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the incredible role of mothers in our lives. However, as a divorced single parent, it’s also a time of reflection on the complexities that come with it.

In the United States, every second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day—a day to show appreciation for the moms who’ve shaped us. Traditionally, it’s marked with heartfelt gestures like calls, texts, or hugs to express love and gratitude.

But for me, whose relationship with my children’s mother isn’t easy, Mother’s Day can be bittersweet. In the past, I leaned on my own mom’s support, but since her diagnosis of early-onset dementia, things have changed.

Balancing caring for my mother, raising my kids, and managing work is tough. Every day brings new challenges—financially, emotionally, and practically. And even as I write this, I’m on call for emergencies, ensuring other caregivers get time off.

This Mother’s Day, conflicting feelings weigh on me. Seeing my brother care for our mom instead of spending time with his own wife hits hard, highlighting the sacrifices of motherhood.

Writing helps me process these emotions, but it’s still tough. Despite therapy and support from friends, watching my mom’s condition worsen is heartbreaking.

As the day nears, I try to focus on showing appreciation to the mothers in my life. But navigating it with my kids is tricky. Despite our challenges, I make sure never to speak poorly of their mom.

Though this blog started as something else, it’s become a personal journey of understanding motherhood and caregiving. I share it hoping others find comfort in shared experiences.

To all moms out there—your love and sacrifices are seen and appreciated. And to those struggling this Mother’s Day, know you’re not alone. May this day remind us of the power of maternal love and resilience.