Today is a significant day that should be filled with joy and love. However, for Angela, it has become a sad day that she is hesitant to face. As she prepares for school, she struggles with the decision of whether or not to attend.

"Good morning, class," greets Ms. Garcia. "Today, we will be focusing on celebrating mothers and other influential women in our lives. Let's begin crafting special gifts for Mother's Day."

Angela is experiencing feelings of worry, sadness, and anxiety.

Ms. Garcia observes that Angela appears to be feeling down and isn't fully engaged in the activity. She kindly asks Angela what might be causing her distress, offers her assistance, and suggests they talk about it if Angela feels comfortable doing so. "Hi Angela, I noticed you seemed upset, let's talk about it". 

Angela is in tears as she explains, "I no longer have my mommy. She was my closest person, my superhero. I have no more mommy to make a gift for."

Bell rings for recess..

Ms. Garcia observed that Angela appeared to be feeling down and was not interacting with her friends. She kindly approached Angela and inquired, "Hello, Angela. I noticed that you haven't been playing with your friends. How are you feeling? We had a classroom conversation, and I thought it might be nice to come and spend some time with you."

"Daddy says mommy is on a vacation far away that will keep her safe and pain free. He tells me that someday we will be able to join her, but for now, she watches over us and patiently awaits our arrival."

"Going on long vacations can be difficult as we miss our loved ones dearly. I completely understand, as my Dad is also away on a long vacation like your mother. However, we must remember that they will be back soon. We don't have to forget about them or stop celebrating them just because they are not here with us at the moment."

"Your Daddy is on vacation too? Do you think they are having fun together both waiting for us? Just like me and you have fun together at school, maybe they are having fun together too."

Bell rings to go back to class..

Here's an idea: Why don't you create something special and write a letter to your mother? Once you're finished, you can take it home and put it in a safe spot next to her picture. Even though she may not be physically present to see it, you can read the letter out loud to her and place a gift beside her picture. This could become a new tradition to honor your mother on her birthday and other special occasions.

"My mom used to bring me presents whenever she came back from her trips. Maybe I could start collecting things for her and create a collection so she can feel closer to me while she's away. I can share stories about each item with her every time we talk."

"This sounds like a great idea Angela! I think I will start that new tradition for my Dad too. Your feelings are valid and it is okay to be sad. We just have to find new ways to make us unsad and do things that help us to remember our mom and dad while they are on vacation."

"Butterflies remind me of her. They always come out when I'm sad. I will draw her a big butterfly picture saying "I love you Mommy, hope you are having fun and feeling better on your vacation."

Dear Mommy,

Today is Mother's Day and I wanted to tell you how much I miss you and sad that you are so far away. Daddy says you are no longer hurting and that makes me happy even if it means you have to be far away. Ms. Garcia her Daddy is on vacation to. Have you seen him? She says one day, I will get to be with you and we can be on vacation together forever. I made a gift for you and I hope you see it at home and like it. I love you forever Mommy and I will always keep you in my heart.