I just wanted to take a moment to reach out to you on a weekend that can feel so complicated for all of us who hold our children in our hearts instead of our arms. For many of us, Mother's Day is bittersweet. For some it is just bitter. That's ok, we've all been there. If you are there, I hope that some sweetness finds its way to your heart soon. Remember that you are still a mother. That title is irreversible and that love does not disappear.
I am honored to be able to share a new poem with you today. It is my favorite piece I have written, because Madeline is still alive during most of the poem. It speaks to the full truth of motherhood, and I hope it speaks to your heart as well. The poem, entitled "The Ballad of the Firstborn", was published today over at Still Standing Magazine, and includes a video of me reading the poem at Mulberry Art Studios. Please take a moment to read it and please feel free to share it forward, it would mean so much to me. You can find it at http://stillstandingmag.com/2014/05/ballad-first-born/ or on Still Standing Magazine's facebook page.
As we do each year, we are holding our "Still a Mother" giveaway from now until midnight on Mother's Day, May 11. This year we are giving away 5 copies of Still and 1 copy of to linger on hot coals. 6 winners will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, May 12. To enter, please email the words "STILL A MOTHER" to Stephanie@sweetpeaproject.org. Be sure to include your name, your child's name (or nickname) and your mailing address in case you win. One entry per person, please. The flier is posted below, please feel free to share it.
Last year I wrote a piece for our blog about the origins of Mother's Day and I would like to re-share with you in case you are new to our community. You can read that here: http://sweetpeaproject.blogspot.com/2013/05/mothers-day-erma-bombeck.html
I would also like to invite you spend a little time wandering through The Secret Garden at Sweet Pea Project where you will find beautiful flowers and quotes that we hope may speak to your heart. You can find the garden at www.sweetpeaproject.org/secretgarden as well as on Sweet Pea Project's facebook page.
I hope tomorrow is a gentle on your heart.
Much love,
Stephanie Paige Cole
