Exclusive Content:

“It’s Not Easy”: An Honest Letter to My Husband on Valentine’s Day

"Here we are, 24 times we have celebrated Valentine’s Day... I feel like I am just lately really getting to know you."

Jimmy Carter: A Life of Faith, Service, and Legacy

Longest-living President Jimmy Carter has lived an incredible life rooted in deep Christian faith. From his time as the 39th President of the United States to his global humanitarian efforts, Jimmy Carter's legacy is one that honors God and country.

Lauren Daigle Returns to the ‘American Idol’ Stage That Rejected Her to Sing Multi-Platinum Hit “Look Up, Child”

Lauren Daigle returned to 'American Idol' to perform her hit song "Look Up, Child" for millions of fans—some in the audience and some watching from home.

When You Don’t Have a Mom on Mother’s Day

Just over a year ago, I got an unexpected text from my dad: “Honey, call me when you can.”

If you knew my father, then you would know this text held a certain serious-minded tone, one he rarely used.

Although I never heard him speak the words aloud, it had a chilling effect.

I got up from class and stepped outside the room to call my father. He beat around the bush for only a few moments, particularly to make sure I was sitting down.

It was after those brief moments that he spit out the two most anguishing words I had ever heard. “She’s gone,” he said about my mother.

The only words I could form were “No, no, no, no please, no.” I immediately fell to my knees in disbelief, sobbing alone in the hallway for what seemed like forever.

I had never even imagined a world without her in it, until that moment.

It’s these instances in which nothing can prepare you for the amount of immediate pain you feel.

You keep holding your breath, hoping it goes away, but it doesn’t. You keep blinking your eyes, hoping you’ll wake up, but you don’t.

You look at the world around you for something that looks familiar, but nothing does.

The shock of everything is so surreal, you feel as though you’re suddenly living an entirely different life.

It was these first few moments that provoked so much fear that I thought my life would never be the same again.

Many of my friends and family hovered for support, trying to understand and relate to what I was going through, but they just couldn’t. Being the very closed off person I am, I kept to myself.

I hid the tears and all the heartache from everyone because I didn’t know how to be vulnerable, especially with my pain. I asserted to everyone that I was okay, but deep down I was lost, confused and so, so angry.

Each day following, I was reminded of my mother in small memories. A Counting Crows song on the radio, a “Forensic Files” marathon or just a silly conversation between family members.

Nevertheless, there is always one day, in particular, I’m reminded of her the most: Mother’s Day.

Many people have dealt with the grief of losing a parent or loved one, and they are very familiar with the foreshadowing of pain that usually follows Mother’s Day.

It’s difficult to convince yourself to celebrate this day the same way since many people (myself included) have since considered themselves to be “motherless.”

In the past, this day was always one for admiration and love; it was a day that encouraged you to show your gratitude for the woman who brought you into this world.

But after you lose a parent, it almost seems as though the day’s only purpose is to remind you of your loss.

Mother’s Day took place a mere three months after my mom passed away.

It was almost unbearable to function at school, listening to people gush about their gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Some people even forgetfully asked about mine.

As I would scroll through my Timeline, I was forced to see the many pictures and celebrations from others. I was unable to share the same words and moments with my mother.

Before she passed, I hadn’t considered myself to be a heavily religious person. I was always driven by curiosity, and facts and science answered my questions.

However, as soon as I lost her, I knew I had to have faith.

Madison Tate
Madison Tate
Madison is a marketing and communications professional in the oil & gas industry in Midland, Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s in public relations and a master’s in communications. Prior to entering the workforce, Madison was an avid contributing writer for different platforms including the Elite Daily and the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University. She is an experienced speaker and has held seminars on a multitude of marketing topics including public relations, social media marketing and more. Connect with Madison on her website, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

“It’s Not Easy”: An Honest Letter to My Husband on Valentine’s Day

"Here we are, 24 times we have celebrated Valentine’s Day... I feel like I am just lately really getting to know you."

Jimmy Carter: A Life of Faith, Service, and Legacy

Longest-living President Jimmy Carter has lived an incredible life rooted in deep Christian faith. From his time as the 39th President of the United States to his global humanitarian efforts, Jimmy Carter's legacy is one that honors God and country.

Lauren Daigle Returns to the ‘American Idol’ Stage That Rejected Her to Sing Multi-Platinum Hit “Look Up, Child”

Lauren Daigle returned to 'American Idol' to perform her hit song "Look Up, Child" for millions of fans—some in the audience and some watching from home.