by Brianna Popsickle

Created on: April 16, 2010

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and it’s customary to acknowledge what our mothers mean to us. 

However, at this time of year, I can’t help but think of women who’ve wanted to be mothers and who for whatever reason, have not been blessed with children. Mother Day must be a painful reminder of what they’re missing. 

It’s common to want what we don’t have. I know people who refer to childless couples as DINKS – double income, no kids. All they see is the free time and financial freedom that comes from having no children. What they don’t see is the suffering the couple endures in silence. 

I know, because of several women in my life who are in this position. They tell me the pain begins soon after marriage when everyone expects to hear ‘baby news’. They attend countless baby showers and celebrate the birth of friends’ children, while the months turn to years and they remain childless. 

They haven’t quite learned how to respond to people who, years later, still ask when they’re going to start a family. They don’t know how to react when people boldly suggest they adopt. 

Christmas and Easter must be especially difficult for them, as most holidays revolve around children. And while they always enjoy seeing nieces, nephews and friends’ children at family gatherings, they never get to play Santa or see their own children race down the stairs searching for Easter eggs. 

My friend says it gets worse as she gets older. These days she’s invited to her friends’ children’s weddings and baby showers. She sees her friends enjoying family times with children and grandchildren…while facing the prospect of growing old alone. 

As a mother, I believe the expression, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, especially in today’s world of working parents and latch key kids.  It’s important to have caring role models in our children’s lives. Extended family plays a huge part in their development. 

The childless women I know, whether they recognize it or not, are having a huge impact on children. One is a public school principal, and her compassion and caring attitude for her students has influenced and benefited them greatly. 

Another friend, a godmother to her two nieces, is every bit a mother to them. She lights up when she tells me the latest about her girls. She showers them not

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