It’s about that time to start thinking about that special woman in our lives. Whether she is your mother, mother-in-law, step-mother, grandmother or the mother of your children, a mother recovering from a crash can face especially difficult challenges when it comes to caring for their families. Being a mom is tough enough but when a motor vehicle crash is thrown into the mix, it can seem downright impossible sometimes. Even on the days when they feel the most pain, moms still want to nurture and care for their partner and children. Your mom may already be inundated with flowers from friends and family as she recovers and this Mother’s Day will be different.
Here Are Some Ideas To Show Her Some Special Love On Mother’s Day:
LISTEN TO HER
Let her guide the conversations. She may want to talk about her crash and injuries or she may rather chat about all the everyday activities she is missing out on. The best thing you can give a mother recovering from a crash is your time. Some days it’s not possible for us to even leave our bed, let alone the house. Many survivors feel overwhelmed and isolated. Offering to sit and chat over a cup of tea or a movie shows that you support her and understand. Be patient and understanding to her needs.
INSPIRE HER
What is guaranteed to make your mom smile? What hobbies does she enjoy? Does she enjoy gardening or cooking? If she doesn’t feel up to gardening, pick up some of her favourite flowers and offer to bring her outside so she can watch you bring her garden to life. Does she usually cook a favourite meal for you? Make her comfortable in the kitchen and start to cook that favourite meal that she has made you so many times. Choose to give her something that reflects or enables happy moments and include her by being mindful of her physical capability.
BUY HER A BOOK
Crash survivors continue to tell me “I wish I had this book when I started my recovery” and “this book feels like a giant hug that I desperately needed.” Show mom how much you care by purchasing her a copy of “Talk Crash to Me” to help guide her on the recovery journey which is available for purchase on amazon at: Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Motor Vehicle Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery.
LIGHTEN THE LOAD
Does she have a big house that may need cleaning? Does she have fur babies that need to go for a groom or to the veterinarian? Knowing that you have to care for pets while you’re injured can be stressful. Offering to take her dog(s) for walks until she can manage can take a weight off her mind. Think about how you can lighten her load.
POST PONE CELEBRATING
Most mothers that are recovering will feel uplifted by a caring phone call or a visit but the frustration and stress caused by her crash can be overwhelming and she may or may not be up for a visit or even a chat. Let her make that decision because after all, it’s her day! Unfortunately your mother is recovering from a crash and if she doesn’t want a visit, post pone celebrating until she feels up to it. Although you may feel disappointed, don’t take it personally and support her decision when you call to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day.
PAMPER HER
Pamper your mom by offering a foot spa when you visit and if she doesn’t feel up to it at that particular time, offer her a rain check. Does she read magazines or books? Take note of her favourite reading material and bring her an assortment of them. You can even go as far as to put them in a decorative basket and add a bow! Did your mom like to go to the spa before her crash? Purchase a gift card to her favourite spa and tell her that when she is ready, you will book the appointment for her. Offer to take her to the appointment that day and you could even surprise mom and join her! Encourage her to try to get back into her normal routines.
MAKE HER COMFY
Comfy, soft nightgowns or robes are a comforting way to show mom you care. A mother recovering from a crash will feel self conscious about her appearance and will most likely feel terrible both physically & mentally. A soft nightgown or robe can bring a little glamour back and can lift her spirits in many ways. Throw blankets come in beautiful plush fabrics which is another great way to bring a little upbeat color and comfort to mom.
BE CONSCIOUS OF NOISE
Your mom’s health and recovery are top priority so try not to use up all of her energy especially if she is expecting more company on her special day. If you have the entire family together at the same time to celebrate including small children, be conscious of how much noise may be created as you do not want to overwhelm your mom any more than she already is. If there are children present, kindly ask them to play in a different room so your mom can stay relaxed and focused.
UPLIFT HER
Does your mom have favourite music or love listening to a particular radio station? While she may not be up to watching television, listening to music can be therapeutic. Bring a portable CD player and/or radio with a few of her favorite CDs. Music is a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day and will continue to lift her spirits after all her visitors leave.
With a little planning and thoughtfulness, Mother’s Day can still be a time to celebrate the special mom in your life. Wishing every mother that is recovering a Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you mom!
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
