Each time I write an article for Parent's Heart I hope you get some encouragement from it. It's a blessing to be able to touch someone's with a word of encouragement. Today I'm going to ask that you think about who you might be able to encourage this week-end. 

Mother's Day is just around the corner. The florists and chocolatiers have had their ads running for a few weeks. So have the spas, salons, and restaurants. Even companies that don't sell the common Mother's Day gifts are having Mother's Day sales this year. I saw an add that said to buy your mother her own website for Mother's Day. 

I remember my first Mother's Day. What a great feeling it was to celebrate that day! As the years went by and my daughters became toddlers and preschoolers I proudly wore the macaroni jewelry they made for me and oohed and aahed over the handmade cards and other crafts. Their little proud faces and happy smiles were even more precious than the gifts they presented to me. When I became a single parent there were always others around who reminded them to make me a card, or who helped them make or buy a gift for me. I was blessed as much by those caring friends as I was by the cards or gifts I received.

And that's why I am going to ask you to encourage someone else this week. Who could use your encouragement as Mother's Day approaches? Here's a list to think about as you consider the people you know or know of in your community:

• Single Mom – Perhaps you could invite the children over for a play date and have them create something for their mom. Being a single mom is a tough job. There's often no one to share the responsibilities of raising the children and supporting the family, or to give her a break. Letting a single mom know she's doing a good job with her kids is welcome praise. 
• Woman dealing with infertility – I remember sitting in church on too many Mother's Day Sundays, watching as roses were handed out to all the mothers and trying to just be happy for them instead of feeling miserable that I was still childless. 
• Friend who has suffered miscarriages – That mother still holds that child, or children dear in her heart. Let her know you remember and you care.
• A mother who has out-lived her child – No mother expects to live longer than her own child. The grief in this situation can be very long-lasting.
• Anyone who has lost a mother in the last year – The first holiday without a loved one is always the hardest.

For the last four examples a simple card to let them know you are thinking of them can make the sorrow they feel more bearable. Being available in case they want to share their feelings or memories can also let them know you care. Even just being there with an open ear or a loving hug can go a long way.

I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day Celebration. It is a wonderful blessing to be a mom! It's also a great blessing to encourage those around you. 

May your parent's heart be sensitive to those around you who need some encouragement.

Joy

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Joy Goodman is a mom whose mission is to encourage parents and to celebrate joys of being a parent.