My first Mother's Day after my child died was shared with my three living children, all young and excited about their special presents for mommy. It was a bittersweet day. Among my many smiles for their thoughtfulness and eagerness to make me happy were silent tears for the little life lost.

Today, many years later, I spend a few quiet moments on Mothers Day remembering those few short weeks my baby was with me and reflect on the many lessons I have learned about grief.

Peggy's precious child, Noel, died as the result of an ectopic pregnancy in 1983. Read Noel's story here.

John Robert Wyatt was born on October 31, 1986. He was our second child and our second son as well. Johnny died on March 5, 1991 when he was hit and killed by a tow truck. For the first four Father's Days we could have renamed the day "Bereaved Father's Father's Day" because I focused on his death more so than my surviving children; Blake, who was 6 when Johnny was killed and Kelsey, his sister, who was born 8 months after his death. 

That fifth Father's Day without him was a turning point for me in that I decided that it was time to celebrate being a father to all three of my kids and to focus on life and that's how I've approached every one of them since. The plan is that I'll get up and on the way to the cemetery I'll stop for a donut from his favorite donut shop and buy a chocolate long john. I'll spend some time at the cemetery and then I'll return home to my FD breakfast with my wife, daughter Kelsey and grandson Ellis who is 19 months old.  Then my son Blake and his family, wife, Jenny, 4 year old daughter Harper and almost three year old son Thatcher will come over for my famous (among my friends at least) barbecue. We'll spend the day talking and laughing about the kids' exploits, of course this will include more than a few Johnny stories.  

I will remember the joy that they've all brought me and I'll see the joy that they bring me now.  Will I cry? Probably. It may surprise some but I haven't every year. Will I laugh? You betcha.  I will rejoice in the blessing and give thanks for every minute that I've spent with all of them.   At least that's the plan.  May we all fined a measure of peace in our lives. Shalom. 

Read Johnny's story here. 

I want so much to take myself back to the younger years where my children were old enough to make me toast and cold baked beans for breakfast. I use to curl up in bed and pretend to be surprised. By the time I would finally get my breakfast, the toast would usually be burnt and cold but I would pretend to love every mouthful. 

I miss all the small things that come with this special day, even more so because my kids made it special with either little gifts that they had made at school or the words they had written. I can never get the years back, but I keep trying to move forward. 

This year will mark another sad day as I have just lost my older brother who I loved so much. He has been my rock through so much and I will miss him with all my heart. 

Kaylene's three children died as the result suicide. She has no surviving children. Read their story here.

On Mother's Day, I spend time alone reflecting on the many wonderful memories, silly occurrences, interesting stories and funny sayings that he and I shared. I write them down in a little notebook and focus on how blessed I was to have been given the opportunity to be Richard's mom.

Margaret's only child, 19 year old Richard Jackson, was killed by a reckless driver in October 2010. Read his story here.