Blog

Share Your Journey: Connect With Others Through Your Mother Loss Story. In these blogs, we weave together the diverse tapestry of experiences surrounding mother loss. Whether you've navigated this path through different circumstances, rest assured, someone has bravely penned their narrative to resonate and connect with you.

Dive into these heartfelt blogs. Each story is a thread in the fabric of shared experiences, a testament to the strength and resilience that unites us. Allow these words to resonate, to reach into the depths of your emotions, and find solace in the shared journey of mother loss.

Memories


The Podcast team | October 27, 2024

Looking back at memories can give us a different perspective. When we are right in the center of experiences, it . . . Read More

The World Doesn’t Have Enough to Offer for Your Mother Loss. But There is a Solution


The Podcast team | October 11, 2024

When we experience the heartbreaking loss of a mother through death, emotional distance, or estrangement, it can be hard to . . . Read More

Tears Are Not Always What You Think They Are.


Mary Ellen Collins | September 25, 2024

I cry. I can cry at the weirdest moments. I cry while watching a Disney movie. I will never forget . . . Read More

The Hole Only Jesus Could Fill: A Journey Through the Pain of a Narcissistic Mother


Jennifer Gayle Sappington | September 18, 2024

They say that the relationship between a mother and daughter is one of the most precious bonds a person can . . . Read More

A Distant Father


The Podcast team | September 14, 2024

As motherless daughters, we tend to focus on the struggles of being without a mother. But, working through our grief . . . Read More

Grieving for Summer


Sarah Lynn Wells | August 16, 2024

Fond memories of annual traditions can become triggers for grief. It is possible that mother loss will become a filter . . . Read More

The Sound of Peace


The Podcast Team | August 2, 2024

What does peace sound like? The answer is different for every individual. Each of us is unique and may find . . . Read More

Navigating Relational Conflict


The Podcast Team | July 5, 2024

How we were raised has such a big influence on our relationships even into adulthood. For motherless daughters who experienced . . . Read More

God's Waiting Room


Mary Ellen Collins, PhD | June 26, 2024

This is where I am at right now. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.   Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, “He has made everything beautiful . . . Read More

Just Get Over It


Sarah Lynn Wells | June 21, 2024

This week’s episode looks at the pressure so many of us put on ourselves to “move on” and be okay . . . Read More

The Hidden Picture


Sarah Lynn Wells | June 19, 2024

Have you ever seen one of the projection photo necklaces? I recently purchased one and it’s my new favorite piece . . . Read More

The Motherless Mother – Our True Comforter


Sarah Lynn Wells | June 16, 2024

The Motherless Daughters Ministry is fortunate to have a team of great volunteers. This series highlights MDM podcast administrator, Sarah . . . Read More

The world doesn’t have enough to offer for your mother loss. But there’s a solution. 


Janna | May 29, 2024

The world (American society in particular) will offer you one day of honoring your mother loss, and maybe some will . . . Read More

The Motherless Mother – Our True Comforter


Sarah Lynn Wells | May 24, 2024

One challenge for some motherless daughters is parenting without their mother. Whether it is not having their mother physically there . . . Read More

On Mother's Day


Aisling Lynch | May 22, 2024

On Mother’s Day, we remember. We are reminded, not that we ever really forget. Though our mothers are gone from . . . Read More

Here it Comes-Mother's Day!


The Podcast Team | May 10, 2024

Mother’s Day can be a challenging day for motherless daughters. There are as many reasons for its challenging nature as . . . Read More

The Heart of Our Home


Aisling Lynch | May 1, 2024

It has been years since I’ve lived at home with my parents. Almost 30 years to be exact. Far, far . . . Read More

I’m Fine, You’re Fine, We’re All Fine


The Podcast Team | April 26, 2024

In our busy lives, it can be so easy to stuff our grief down and fill our mind with anything . . . Read More

12 Tips for Offering Condolences for the Loss of a Mother


Mary Ellen Collins | April 24, 2024

Losing a mother is a profound and deeply personal experience, one that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of . . . Read More

Will I Ever Be Enough?


The Podcast Team | April 12, 2024

This week’s episode gives a review of the book, Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of the . . . Read More

The Journey Retreat


The Podcast Team | March 30, 2024

The Motherless Daughters Ministry’s flagship offering is  The “Journey Retreat: Healing the Wounds of Mother Loss One Step at a . . . Read More

Daughters Without Mothers


The Podcast Team | March 15, 2024

Motherless Daughters Minstry’s podcast administrator, Sarah Lynn Wells, interviews Maryann Rousseau. Maryann has started a new platform, Daughters Without Mothers, . . . Read More

Take Care of My Sheep


Mary Ellen Collins | March 6, 2024

As I stood amidst the flurry of last-minute preparations for our retreat, I couldn’t shake the anticipation of what lay . . . Read More

Stories My Mom Shared with Me


The Podcast Team | March 1, 2024

Memories that bring a smile to your face are great tools to help through the grief journey. The path has . . . Read More

Learning to Forgive


The Podcast Team | February 16, 2024

Being hurt by those you look to for nurturing and support is most painful. It is challenging to continue hoping . . . Read More

Voices of Volunteers-Part 5


The Podcast Team | February 2, 2024

The Motherless Daughters Ministry (MDM) is blessed to have an active team of volunteers. MDM podcast administrator, Sarah Lynn Wells, . . . Read More

Season of Searching


The Podcast Team | January 19, 2024

A season can be defined as a period of time identified by a set of distinguishing characteristics. This episode features . . . Read More

Broken & Remade


The Podcast Team | January 5, 2024

A well-known quote says “It’s always darkest just before the dawn.” This episode shares one of the darkest nights in . . . Read More

Christmas Hope


Sarah Lynn Wells | December 22, 2023

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this episode is focused on gratitude. Both God’s Word and psychology point to the significant . . . Read More

When the Holidays Are Bittersweet


Sarah Lynn Wells | December 8, 2023

There’s such a pressure to enjoy and be happy during the holiday season. But, for a motherless daughter, it can . . . Read More

God Moments: Embracing Divine Encounters in Everyday Life


Mary Ellen Collins | December 6, 2023

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the subtle miracles that unfold around us—what . . . Read More

Cultivating Thankfulness That Can’t Be Erased


Sarah Lynn Wells | November 24, 2023

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this episode is focused on gratitude. Both God’s word and psychology point to the significant . . . Read More

Voices of Volunteers-Part 4


Sarah Lynn Wells | November 10, 2023

The fourth episode of a series highlighting Motherless Daughters Ministry volunteers. MDM podcast administrator, Sarah Lynn Wells, interviews volunteers to . . . Read More

When Guilt Sets In


Sarah Lynn Wells | October 27, 2023

Motherless Daughters can experience a range of negative emotions as they process and work through their grief journey. For some, . . . Read More

Finding True Rest


Sarah Lynn Wells | October 13, 2023

In our world, busy-ness is often praised and valued. But as motherless daughters, we often find that a constant busy-ness . . . Read More

Voices of Volunteers - #3


The Podcast Team | September 29, 2023

The Motherless Daughters Ministry is fortunate to have a team of great volunteers. This new series highlights MDM podcast administrator, . . . Read More

You Will Be Healed


The Podcast Team | September 15, 2023

As motherless daughters, we often wish God could remove the pain and struggle from our lives. Whether we lost our . . . Read More

From Ashes to Beauty


The Podcast Team | September 1, 2023

Ashes are what remain after something has been destroyed by fire. There appears to be no hope for restoration or . . . Read More

The Value of “The EAM"


The Podcast Team | August 18, 2023

The EAM” is “The Emotionally Absent Mother” course offered by The Motherless Daughters Ministry. Our guest writer shared what this . . . Read More

Voices of Volunteers – Part 2


The Podcast Team | August 4, 2023

Our new series highlights The Motherless Daughters Ministry volunteers. MDM podcast administrator, Sarah Lynn Wells, interviews volunteers to learn more . . . Read More

Finding Home


Sarah Accoridino | August 2, 2023

On December 18, 1997 my mother, a mother of 5 children including myself, was driving home when someone ran a . . . Read More

Mothering Without a Mother


The Podcast Team | July 22, 2023

Motherhood is a challenge under the best circumstances to say nothing of doing it without your own mother. This is . . . Read More

To the Girl Who Had to Grow Up Too Fast


Shyanne Dorrity | July 19, 2023

This is a letter to the girl who had to grow up too fast. To the girl who watched her . . . Read More

True Freedom


The Podcast Team | July 8, 2023

During the Independence Day holiday our thoughts turn to all those who dedicated their lives to the cost of freedom. . . . Read More

Survival Mode


The Podcast Team | June 23, 2023

How much time have you spent living in survival mode?  The pain of grief can be buried so deep that . . . Read More

Voices of Volunteers - M.E.Collins


The Podcast Team | June 9, 2023

Who are the people doing the work behind the scenes for the Motherless Daughters Ministry? This episode is the first . . . Read More

Who We Truly Are


The Podcast Team | May 23, 2023

Who are you? Where do you get your identity? Are you defined by the negative experiences that have shaped your . . . Read More

Surviving Mother's Day


The Podcast Team | May 5, 2023

Mother’s Day is a challenge for the motherless daughters’ community. It brings about a bag of mixed emotions. The different . . . Read More

Survival Mode


C.A.Bleu | April 26, 2023

Struggling through survival mode? Through our suffering we grow and learn to identify our strengths. We just don’t see it . . . Read More

Flowers and Frisch’s Hot Fudge Cake


The Podcast Team | April 21, 2023

The Motherless Daughters Ministry blogger and volunteer podcast team member, Dottie Menkhaus, shares her reflections on two decades of journeying . . . Read More

I Am Lovable


Kristin Mitchener | April 12, 2023

The subject of love has been on my mind since I set out on my healing journey over a decade . . . Read More

My Path to "The Journey"


The Podcast Team | April 7, 2023

“The Journey Retreat: Healing the Wounds of Mother Loss One Step at a Time” was inspired by God and designed . . . Read More

You Will be Healed, it's Only a Matter of Time


Sarah Lynn Wells | April 5, 2023

Since sharing my last post, I have sat down numerous times to write again but have suffered from writer’s block. . . . Read More

Waves of Grief


The Podcast Team | March 24, 2023

Even when we are overwhelmed with burdens, we can cling to the promises God has given us in His Word. . . . Read More

What Did I Do?


Elyse Kehe | March 15, 2023

Since my mother passed away nearly 17 years ago, I have become quite a connoisseur of “self-help” methods. I was, . . . Read More

Dear Strong Woman


The Podcast Team | March 10, 2023

In recognition of Women’s History Month, this podcast authored by MDM blogger, Chris Fischel, shares the touching story of a . . . Read More

Beginning the Rest of My Life


The Podcast Team | January 13, 2023

There comes a time when we need to start again. We need to accept the blunt truth: I am a . . . Read More

F.E.A.R. Revisited


Gladys Bell | December 30, 2022

Dictionaries define fear as a strong, unpleasant and distressing emotion caused by the anticipation or awareness of danger, evil or . . . Read More

Ages & Stages of Loss: 0-6 Revisited


Gladys Bell | December 16, 2022

From birth to 6 years of age is the most significant period for brain development. It has a lasting effect . . . Read More

Season of Searching


C.A. Bleu | December 7, 2022

Winter has a way of revealing. After the beauty of Fall, when the colors of gratitude fade, we find the . . . Read More

Ages & Stages of Loss: The 20's - Revisited


Gladys Bell | December 2, 2022

If you experienced mother loss in your 20’s, there may be lasting effects that impact the ability o accomplish goals. . . . Read More

Earnest Enough to be Honest


Lovely Marie | November 30, 2022

In prayer this morning thanking God for peace. I ask Him to deliver me, use me, try me or even . . . Read More

Create a Family Thanksgiving: Starting a New Tradition in the Face of Loss


Mary Ellen Collins | November 23, 2022

I want to talk to you about celebrating holidays. And really what we have to do as motherless daughters is . . . Read More

Healing From the Traumas of the Past - Revisited


Gladys Bell | November 18, 2022

In this not-to-be-missed episode Dottie Menkhaus hosts Kristin Mitchener in a discussion about healing from trauma.  That process includes surfacing . . . Read More

The Last Goodbye - Revisited


Gladys Bell | November 4, 2022

If you know a teen who has experienced mother loss, please share this episode. While the Motherless Daughters Ministry target . . . Read More

I Need Your Help


Mary Ellen Collins | October 9, 2022

The Motherless Daughters Ministry wants to know how to best serve you in 2023.  After listening to Mary Ellen’s video, . . . Read More

Broken and Remade


C.A.Bleu | October 26, 2022

I recently listened to a devotional called ‘Killing Comparison with Nona Jones’ on the Holy Bible app. Something about the . . . Read More

Ages & Stages of Loss: 6-12 Revisited


Gladys Bell | October 21, 2022

Ages & Stages of Loss: 6-12 Revisited If you experienced mother loss between the ages of 6 and 12, this . . . Read More

Ages & Stages of Loss Introduction - Revisited


Gladys Bell | October 7, 2022

Did you know that you already have the key to understanding the impact mother loss has had on your life? . . . Read More

Who Is a Motherless Daughter? - Revisited 


Gladys Bell | September 23, 2022

Our second most popular podcast brought you 5 voices of experience …..real women, real situations, members of this ministry…telling their . . . Read More

Our True Comforter


Sara Lynn Wells | September 21, 2022

Lightning flashed as I jolted awake to an all too familiar scene of my little boy standing by the bed . . . Read More

My Testimony


Mary Ellen Collins | September 14, 2022

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; . . . Read More

The Beginning of a Ministry - Revisited


Gladys Bell | September 9, 2022

The most popular episode of the first year of our podcast was the story of how the ministry began.  While . . . Read More

Forgiveness


C.A.Bleu | September 7, 2022

Forgiveness is hard, maybe I just make it harder than it should be? When we feel hurt or harmed by . . . Read More

I’m Fine, You’re Fine, We’re All Fine! 


C. A. Bleu | August 31, 2022

I like to write, as you can tell, but its hard to write about painful things. Things we all keep . . . Read More

Light at the Endo of the Tunnel


Gladys Bell | August 26, 2022

If you cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel, it is practically impossible to even know there . . . Read More

2022 Journey Retreat


Mary Ellen Collins | August 24, 2022

God says, “I’m coming. Are you?”   Trusting God in times of doubt is a real test of faith.  Being obedient . . . Read More

Balance


Tina Elliott | August 17, 2022

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait . . . Read More

The Risk of Forgiveness


Gladys Bell | August 12, 2022

Learning to live again after a significant loss involves a maze of feelings and emotions. Somewhere under the surface of . . . Read More

Death Stings


Lovely Marie | August 10, 2022

Its 3:21 am. It’s Mother’s Day. Second night in a row I can’t sleep. I pray. I talk to God. . . . Read More

Where Unconditional Love is found


Cathy DiBella | August 3, 2022

The minute you walk in the door, you are loved, accepted for who you are and where you are on . . . Read More

F.E.A.R.


Gladys Bell | July 29, 2022

Many of the restrictions have been lifted, but we are still navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its . . . Read More

A Second Chance:


Janna | July 27, 2022

My Journey Through Physical and Emotional Mother Loss New beginnings  Exchanging marriage vows with my husband was by far the . . . Read More

Accepting Never


Lovely Marie | July 20, 2022

This week of fasting and prayer ended in a foot washing service for our St. Ministry Team.   Mother’s Day is . . . Read More

Families: More Than Just Blood Relatives


Gladys Bell | July 15, 2022

How do you define “family?” Who do you consider a part of your family circle? Who are the people who . . . Read More

27 Mothers Days Without my mom


Dr. Jane Richardson | July 13, 2022

She was the definition of kindness and generosity.  She was the premier example of good manners and a gracious heart.  . . . Read More

To Be OK or Not To Be


Lovely Marie | July 6, 2022

 I’m keenly aware of the pain that comes with Mother’s Day. It’s not the pain of not having children nor . . . Read More

Remembering My Safe Haven


Gladys Bell | July 1, 2022

The memories of a painful past are still painful as we recall the experience. But the fact that you survived . . . Read More

Conversations in the Bathroom Mirror


C.A. Bleu. | June 29, 2022

If we are all being honest, I know I’m not the only one out there that seems to have brief . . . Read More

Celebrate Me


Lovely Marie | June 22, 2022

 I received the ring I bought myself for Mother’s Day today. I usually crochet roses, make, sweet treats, or some . . . Read More

The Phone Call That Changed My Life


Gladys Bell | June 17, 2022

We remember, in detail, those moments that changed our lives. When triggered, those feelings and emotions wash over us like . . . Read More

You're Stronger Now


Rekita Chenault | June 15, 2022

It was the day of my brother’s graduation from high school. I was so proud of him. I had my . . . Read More

Victim No More


Tina Elliott | June 8, 2022

There once was a child lost and alone;   she struggled with thoughts of having no home.  Darkness prevailed as life moved . . . Read More

The Best Seat in the House


Gladys Bell | June 3, 2022

Those who have provided the secure foundation of our development and lit our pathway will forever remain in our hearts. . . . Read More

Do you know why God made rutabagas?


Mary Ellen Collins | June 1, 2022

Do you know why God made rutabagas? Yeah, I said rutabagas God uses everything, even rutabagas to make his presence . . . Read More

Leave-taking


Christine Fishel | May 25, 2022

My mom wore satiny nightgowns: pale blue, light pink, sometimes yellow. They were sleeveless or cap-sleeved, decorated at the bodice . . . Read More

Getting Through the Neon Year


Gladys Bell | May 20, 2022

A neon sign cannot be missed. It demands attention and won’t be ignored. In the same way, the neon year . . . Read More

We Can Choose How It Ends


Rekita Chenault | May 18, 2022

To go to a place where you can let go of all of your troubles and worries and just be . . . Read More

Is Mother's Day Difficult for You?


Mershon Niesner | May 7, 2022

Join one of our blog writers and her friend who is another motherless daughter & author as they share stories . . . Read More

Remembering My Mother


Gladys Bell | May 6, 2022

Mother’s Day brings a lifetime of memories to the forefront. We are bombarded by enticements to spend lots of money . . . Read More

Light at the End of the Tunnel


Rekita Chenault | May 4, 2022

It was going to be my first day of middle school. Although I was sad about the summer ending, I . . . Read More

Chasing Turtles


Gladys Bell | April 22, 2022

“I spent my entire life, checking off goal after goal with the unrealistic expectation of becoming the new improved” me. . . . Read More

Who Will Protect Me


Rekita Chenault | April 20, 2022

I remember that night, like yesterday, before it happened. Me, my sister and brothers brought our mattresses, blankets, and pillows . . . Read More

Dear Childhood Home


Gladys Bell | April 8, 2022

Saying “Goodbye” to your childhood home can be an emotional experience.  Whether you are leaving for the first time or . . . Read More

Learning to Forgive


Rekita Chenault | April 6, 2022

When you are hurt time and time again, you can start to resent other people because you don’t want to . . . Read More

Getting Rid of the Roots


Gladys Bell | March 25, 2022

Healing is a process. When one suffers trauma such as mother loss at a young age seeds are sown, roots . . . Read More

The Rainbow Always Shines Through


Rekita Chenault | March 23, 2022

How do you deal with a whirlwind of emotions that feel like they’re going to overtake you on a regular . . . Read More

The Comfort of a Mother


Gladys Bell | March 12, 2022

We never outlive our desire for the comfort of mother. In its absence we seek a replacement. This episode recounts . . . Read More

Sudden Loss, Anticipated Loss, and Non-death Loss: What’s the Difference?


Mary Ellen Collins | March 9, 2022

Mother loss binds us all together. Mother loss is the commonality but there are differences. There is no one loss . . . Read More

The Power of Presence


Gladys Bell | February 25, 2022

Emotional presence is a powerful tool for those yielding support to anyone who is in need. It is especially effective . . . Read More

Longing to Be Loved


Rekita Chenault | February 23, 2022

When the one that gave birth to you doesn’t want to provide the simple thing called love, that you need, . . . Read More

Celebrating Our Black Sisters


Gladys Bell | February 11, 2022

“It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one who is most . . . Read More

Dear Supporter of the Motherless Daughters Ministry Community


Mary Ellen Collins | February 2, 2022

I feel so lucky to get to be the person to thank you for supporting the ministry.  On behalf of . . . Read More

Double Loss


Gladys Bell | January 28, 2022

Podcast Losing your mom to death becomes the second round when you have already lost her to a health or . . . Read More

Healing from the Traumas of our Past


Kristin Mitchener | January 14, 2022

Navigating trauma as a motherless daughter can feel like you are drowning in an ocean of grief and shame with . . . Read More

Reflections by a Motherless Daughter


Gladys Bell | December 31, 2021

Podcast On the eve of a new year we, typically, look back on what we came through during the past . . . Read More

Is It Safe To Grieve The Mom You Don't Have?


Maya | December 29, 2021

Do you strive for love from your mom? Beg for validation and affection? Sit alone and cry because you want . . . Read More

Holidays as a Motherless Daughter


Gladys Bell | December 17, 2021

What’s your experience as a motherless daughter? There is no one who has a story identical to yours. But ALL . . . Read More

I Want My Mom


Gladys Bell | December 3, 2021

Surviving the holiday season when you are grieving takes forethought and planning. Regardless of the circumstances around how you become . . . Read More

Birthday Blues


Kristin Mitchener | November 10, 2021

It’s my mother’s birthday on Friday. I never considered her birthday to be a trigger for my childhood trauma, but . . . Read More

Please Just Let Me Cry


Gladys Bell | November 5, 2021

Ages & Stages of Loss: The 60’s  The series about, “Ages & Stages of Loss,” ends with the poem below, but there is . . . Read More

Just Get Over It


Maya | November 3, 2021

“Just Get Over It”  “The worst wounds, the deadliest of them, aren’t the ones people see on the outside.   They’re the . . . Read More

I Am Meant to Keep Going


Gladys Bell | October 22, 2021

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, which affects memory, thinking, language and behavior. As it progresses, it . . . Read More

The Age & Stage of Loss: The 50’s


Gladys Bell | October 8, 2021

Although experiencing mother loss in your 50’s is a more common occurrence, it still brings challenges. Life is even more . . . Read More

108-Day Journey


Kristin Mitchener | October 6, 2021

“Let me know, let me know when I’ve got room to run” – Dermot Kennedy I’m very much moved by . . . Read More

6 Lessons from Squirrel Watching


Mary Ellen Collins | September 29, 2021

What can a squirrel teach us about overcoming obstacles?    I love nature and try to spend as much time outdoors . . . Read More

The Age & Stage of Loss: The 40’s


Gladys Bell | September 24, 2021

New Podcast – Experiencing mother loss in your 40’s brings yet another unique set of circumstances.  Although like the 30’s, . . . Read More

Respect - The untold story of a motherless daughter


Mary Ellen Collins | September 22, 2021

Stories are often hidden from what we know and see.  Actually they are right in front of us if we . . . Read More

What Causes A Mother To Be EMOTIONALLY Absent?


Maya | September 15, 2021

What causes a mother to not want to be around, be involved, or demonstrate love and interest in her child? . . . Read More

New Podcast - The Last Goodbye


Gladys Bell | September 10, 2021

Our featured special guest for this episode! Dottie Menkhaus is a Motherless Daughters Ministry volunteer, project team member and contributing . . . Read More

Before You Roll Your Eyes Daughter


Amanda Loduca | September 8, 2021

Oh, my girl. If only you could know someday how many times I stare at the video monitor after you’re . . . Read More

My World Awakens


Kristin Mitchener | September 1, 2021

I’m sitting outside listening to the birds chirp their language of life and presence. Something about birds has always intrigued . . . Read More

New Podcast - Ages & Stages of Loss: The 30's


Gladys Bell | August 27, 2021

Did you experience mother loss in your 30’s. If so, there are lots of women who understand your journey. The . . . Read More

All of Me Toward My Destiny


Amanda Loduca | August 25, 2021

About a month ago I grew unusually, irrationally irritable over something small. I get cranky sometimes, but this time was . . . Read More

Restoration- Beauty from ashes


Julie Thompson | August 18, 2021

One of the hardest things I’ve ever done was to reach out for help.   One of the best things I’ve ever . . . Read More

New Podcast - The Age & Stage of Loss: The 20's


Gladys Bell | August 13, 2021

If you experienced mother loss while in your 20’s, there may be lasting effects on the accomplishment of goals. Just . . . Read More

Navigating Relational Conflict


Maya Megiddo | August 12, 2021

Choosing A Different Path Than My Mother Taught Me  Did you grow up in a home with an emotionally absent . . . Read More

Journey of Healing Part 3 – Seeing the World Through the Traumas of Our Past


Dottie Menkhaus | August 4, 2021

We filter our world through the traumas of our past. Our traumas build the lenses through which we view everything . . . Read More

Where Do You Hide?


Maya | July 28, 2021

When I was adopted I was given a new name —my mom’s middle and my dad’s last name. To be given something so . . . Read More

Dealing With Difficult Mother Stories


Mershon Niesner | July 21, 2021

The taboos about dissing our mothers, and the myths of motherhood which portray all mothers as loving, serve to isolate . . . Read More

The Lessons of Flesh and Stone


Amanda Loduca | July 14, 2021

You’d think a 29-year-old woman would have outgrown her fear of the dark. For the most part I had, but . . . Read More

Can My DNA Tell Me if I Was Wanted?


Maya | July 7, 2021

The results were in. As I clicked the link I wasn’t sure what I was looking at, but there were all kinds . . . Read More

The Complexities of Creature Comforts


Amanda Loduca | June 30, 2021

(A Story about Losing) Losing My Family Unit The reason a bathroom was chosen for the important talk was anyone’s guess. . . . Read More

Preparing for THE anniversary


Mershon Niesner | June 23, 2021

It happened in New York, April 10th, nineteen years ago. Even my hand balks at the date. I had to . . . Read More

Heart-Crushing Contenders Death vs. Abandonment


Anonymous | June 16, 2021

My first major depression happened after my husband of 6 years left out of the blue. The only explanation I . . . Read More

Journey of Healing Part 2 - The Storms of Uncertainty


Dottie Menkhaus | June 9, 2021

With the storms of life comes uncertainty. The waves crash around us, tossing our boat around. We feel vulnerable. Will the . . . Read More

Journey of Healing Part 1 - Vulnerability in sharing my story


Dottie Menkhaus | June 2, 2021

I hate vulnerability. It is painful, uncomfortable, and frightening. I hate uncertainty, too. I want to be certain of everything. . . . Read More

The Risk of Forgiveness


Danielle Ilacqua | May 26, 2021

At the end of 2019, I quit my secure City job as Assistant General Counsel to go on a two-month mission trip . . . Read More

Trust the Resilience in Yourself and Others


Mershon Niesner | May 19, 2021

The human capacity for burden is like bamboo- far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance. Jodi Picoult, author . . . Read More

When Mother Doesn’t Reach Back


Pat Kuykendoll | May 12, 2021

Non Death Loss and the Emotionally Absent Mother  We are created with a natural desire to reach for another…and this . . . Read More

Happy Mother's Day


Mershon Niesner | May 5, 2021

Dear Motherless Daughter, You’re probably not looking forward to Mother’s Day this year—or any year. I’ve been motherless since I . . . Read More

He makes Beauty out of Ashes


Heather Wolper | April 28, 2021

I’m no stranger to grief. Over the years she has settled in and become as familiar as the feeling left . . . Read More

What Really Happens Inside a Motherless Daughters Class?


Maya | April 18, 2021

Can 6 Weeks Really Make A Difference?  I felt like I was holding in a lifetime of pain, a dark . . . Read More

Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers: Accepting the Limitations Of My Mom


Maya | April 11, 2021

How Do I Know If I Have Accepted My Mother’s Limitations? In the book “Will I Ever Be Good Enough?” . . . Read More

How do you celebrate being unwanted?


Maya (Guest writer) | April 4, 2021

April 22. The day started out as the happiest one of my life. I was being adopted by my current . . . Read More

Ending The Pattern - Part 2 of 2


Maya (Guest writer) | March 28, 2021

When the girl is healed, the woman will come out. -Author Unknown A story lives within each of us. And . . . Read More

Ending the Pattern pt 1 of 2


Maya (Guest writer) | March 21, 2021

On my healing journey, I continue to struggle with the knowing that I was just a “thing” to the mom who adopted me. A thing . . . Read More

The Obesity of Grief


Mary Ellen Collins | March 14, 2021

We are fat with loss. As I waddle through the day, grief has become my go-to food of choice. I . . . Read More

Am I Enough Just the Way I Am?


Maya (Guest writer) | March 7, 2021

• Face To Face Church service ended and, on my way, out, there she was—my adoptive mom. It’s been five . . . Read More

A Frenchman and a child


Kristin Mitchener | February 28, 2021

A Saboteur.  It sounds like a handsome, romantic, traveling Frenchman.  Oh, how I wish it were. After two decades of dumping on . . . Read More

Treasured Keepsake


Mershon Niesner | February 21, 2021

What’s your most treasured keepsake from your mother? – by Mershon Niesner My most treasured keepsake is an old-fashioned ring with . . . Read More

Rules to be written


Kristin Mitchener | February 14, 2021

I  finished  House Rules  tonight, underlining and scribbling notes in the margins because I couldn’t find my highlighter.  I saw . . . Read More

That which brings healing


Kristin Mitchener | February 7, 2021

I am reading  The Memory Palace  by Mira Bartok. Her memories take shape as a house or maybe a castle. Nevertheless, . . . Read More

Bridal Shower Boundaries


Kristin Mitchener | January 31, 2021

What happens when you see your mother for the first time in 8 years at your younger sister’s bridal shower: . . . Read More

Sharing stories of a Mother's last words


Mershon Niesner | January 24, 2021

On the morning I learned that my thirty-four-year-old mother had died, May 24, 1954, my dad also shared with me her . . . Read More

Self Validation


Maya (Guest writer) | January 17, 2021

A child can take a piece of ripped, wrinkled construction paper, a broken crayon, scribble something not even decipherable and yet be ever so proud. Proud . . . Read More

It's been two years


Chris Fishel | January 10, 2021

It’s been two years. And I’m just starting to grieve. I’ve forgotten whole parts of that first year. My husband’s family . . . Read More

Dear mom


January 3, 2021

Dear Mom by Maya (Guest Writer) I wish you could have been there for me and tucked me in just . . . Read More

When Missing Consumes


December 27, 2020

By Maya (Guest writer) Adopted twice. Still motherless. I’ve felt the agony of not knowing who I was. Of not . . . Read More

When You Have No Friends


Kristin Mitchener | December 20, 2020

I look around me, and I see no friends. No shopping buddies, coffee dates or spa partners. I have my . . . Read More

Choosing Vulnerability


December 13, 2020

by Maya (Guest writer) Growing up, my adoptive mom believed you should never pick up a crying baby. The thought . . . Read More

On the Journey to Medication Adherence


December 6, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener I’ve been trying to find a way to say without saying that I have a problem taking . . . Read More

How Do I Say Good-bye to the Mother I Never Had?


November 29, 2020

by Maya (Guest writer) I dreamed of having a mom I could always call. Always go home to. The sound . . . Read More

The Healing Power of Friendship


November 22, 2020

by Dottie Menkhaus On the anniversary of my mother’s death, Ann* came over to teach me how to cook. We . . . Read More

Navigating old waters in a new way - The Impact That The Emotionally Absent Mother Class Had On Me


Maya | November 15, 2020

by Maya (guest writer) Leading up to this class, my husband had just left me. I was drowning in the . . . Read More

Effects of Narcissism on Me


November 15, 2020

by Cathy DiBella Narcissism falls across a broad spectrum. We can detect some narcissists quickly, while others take more time. . . . Read More

Creating Connection with Your Children When Your Own Mother Was Emotionally Absent


November 8, 2020

by Pat Kuykendoll Women who have emotionally absent mothers often begin motherhood without a template of how to connect to . . . Read More

A Friend Remembered


November 1, 2020

by Dottie Menkhaus We all tend to live our lives never knowing how we impact and influence others around us. . . . Read More

A Journey Through the Emotionally Absent Mother Class, Realizations


October 25, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener Read the first blogs in this series here: An Introduction to the Emotionally Absent Mother Class Blog . . . Read More

A Journey Through the Emotionally Absent Mother Class, #3 EAM Class Check-in


October 18, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener Read the first blogs in this series here: An Introduction to the Emotionally Absent Mother Class Blog . . . Read More

A Journey Through the Emotionally Absent Mother Class, First Class - Readings


October 11, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener Read the first blogs in this series here: An Introduction to the Emotionally Absent Mother Class Blog . . . Read More

A Journey Through the Emotionally Absent Mother Class, #1 Pre-EAM


October 4, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener Read the first blog in the series: An Introduction to the Emotionally Absent Mother Class Blog Post . . . Read More

An Introduction to the Emotionally Absent Mother Class Blog Post Series


September 27, 2020

My name is Kristin and I am the adult child of an emotionally absent mother. I want to share with . . . Read More

Healing the Heart in Wounded Attachment


September 20, 2020

by Patricia Kuykendoll We are born with eternity in our heart and mind. We enter a world of brokenness but . . . Read More

Voicing My Truth


September 13, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener I have fears about my mother, irrational maybe, but based on her past behavior nothing would surprise . . . Read More

Roadside Journeys


September 6, 2020

poem by Gina Ellis She journeys along country roads with an expectant sidelong gaze, looking for fancy crowns of white, . . . Read More

F-E-A-R, Forget Everything and Run or Rise?


Mary Ellen Collins | August 30, 2020

How do we face fear living in this pandemic crisis? The Coronavirus lurks and waits to attack. The last four . . . Read More

Power of Prayer


Danielle Ilacqua | August 23, 2020

Patience doesn’t just land on your lap because you pray for it. God allows a situation to manifest in your . . . Read More

When Cancer Scares


August 16, 2020

by Angela Bergmann I found a lump in my breast on January 1, 2019. Surely this isn’t serious, I thought. . . . Read More

It's Gone!!!


Cathy DiBella | August 9, 2020

After going out for dinner one evening with my husband, I had no desire to go back home to isolation. . . . Read More

The Sound of Peace


August 2, 2020

by Gina Ellis My childhood sanctuary was my grandparents’ home. I walked their land exploring nature. I danced under the . . . Read More

A Distant Father


July 26, 2020

By Cathy DiBella Did I have a good father? No. Was he emotionally absent, narcissistic? Yes. Did he spend time . . . Read More

Viral Grief


Dottie Menkhaus | July 19, 2020

Living through the coronavirus pandemic among pieces of our shattered world has been difficult and exhausting. I have often struggled . . . Read More

The Hidden Volcano


Dottie Menkhaus | June 28, 2020

One day, a small lump appeared in the middle of the living room carpet. It was about the size of . . . Read More

Unveiled Faces


Gina Ellis | June 21, 2020

Not a morning person, I arose earlier than usual. In the bathroom half asleep, I looked at the sign on . . . Read More

Hi Anger. Nice to Meet You.


June 14, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener In response to me talking about my depression, a dear and wise friend told me, “Anger is . . . Read More

Pulling Back the Curtains


Mary Ellen Collins | May 31, 2020

Pulling back the curtains, I want to give you an inside look at ALL that is happening behind the scenes. . . . Read More

Inside the World of a Motherless Daughter Teen


Patricia Kuykendoll | May 24, 2020

A motherless daughter teen recently shared this excerpt from a classroom English writing assignment with me. She calls it Seeing . . . Read More

Finding My Own Loving Mother Inside


May 17, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener I have lived a life of sadness because I didn’t have a healthy, loving mother. But, what . . . Read More

Full-Time Momma


Cestiny Crowther | May 10, 2020

(Savor these precious moments, they fly by too fast) Full-time momma and proud that I am,I can make a castle . . . Read More

To Call or Not to Call


May 3, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener I started thinking about calling my mother two days ago. We haven’t spoken or seen each other . . . Read More

In The Silence


Cestiny Crowther | April 19, 2020

He sits silent and alone, on a quiet night As he deeply ponders the wrongs and rights. The Angels, and . . . Read More

Reflections on the March 2020 Journey Retreat


Mary Ellen Collins | April 19, 2020

It is a few weeks after the scheduled Journey Retreat. Most years I would be writing about all of the . . . Read More

The Power of Presence


April 12, 2020

by Pat Kuykendoll We are physically present for many events both small and significant for the motherless daughter in our . . . Read More

10 Things I Am Doing To Occupy Myself During My Self-Quarantine


Mary Ellen Collins | April 5, 2020

I am hunkering down. When I heard that the elderly were in the high risk group (elderly being 60+) I . . . Read More

Up To Me


Cestiny Crowther | March 29, 2020

(Strength coming through) By Cestiny Crowther Within my soul Sit’s a scarred and blackened depth. I cannot reach the rope . . . Read More

The Comfort of a Mother


March 22, 2020

by Dottie Menkhaus During this time of global crisis of the Corona virus pandemic, it feels like the world is . . . Read More

The Narcissistic/Difficult Mother and Her Empathetic Daughter – 10 Signs You Suffer From the “Good” Daughter Syndrome


March 15, 2020

Sharing this blog from one of the leaders in the field of Narcissistic Mothers. Wow does it ever ring true . . . Read More

Molded By Hands Of Gold


Cestiny Crowther | March 8, 2020

(Remember whose you are!) By Cestiny Crowther You cannot help Who you love, Or yet, who loves you. Maintain a . . . Read More

A Genealogy of Strong Dysfunctional Women


March 1, 2020

by Mary Ellen Collins Dysfunction is rooted in generations. Seldom does dysfunction begin in the present but we can trace . . . Read More

The Best Seat in the House


February 23, 2020

by Dottie Menkhaus My mother passed away when I was 16, and consequently she has missed all of my achievements . . . Read More

Searching for Joy in 2020


February 16, 2020

by Mary Ellen Collins 2020. That represents either the year we’re in or perfect vision. But it’s a decade year . . . Read More

The Voice of Forgiveness


February 9, 2020

by Kristin Mitchener I recently listened to a guided meditation. One meditative point sticks with me. Whatever you feel, if . . . Read More

Managing My Emotions


January 26, 2020

by Cestiny Crowther All emotion is important, even anger. Ponder with me…. If we were never supposed to feel any . . . Read More

Why I Loved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood


January 19, 2020

By Julie Thompson “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood. A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? . . . Read More

What The Emotionally Absent Mother Class Has Done for Me


January 12, 2020

by JL When I first came to this class, I thought maybe I would just learn a few things. I . . . Read More

Blog Hall of Fame: Top 19 Blogs of 2019


Mary Ellen Collins | January 5, 2020

Every year we take time to pause and reflect on what God has been doing through the Motherless Daughters Ministry. . . . Read More

Empty Chairs


December 23, 2019

by Dottie Menkhaus The holiday season is a time to gather together family and friends. It is a joyous time . . . Read More

'Frozen II' Hit Me Hard as a Motherless Daughter


Kirsten Clodfelter | December 22, 2019

This essay includes spoilers for Disney’s “Frozen II.” Source: NY Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/12/opinion/frozen-2-movie.html When I settled in next to my 7-year-old . . . Read More

Remembering My Safe-Haven


Kristin Mitchener | December 15, 2019

Knowing I would see Mam-ma and Pap-pa saved me from drowning in my chaotic home life. With them I could . . . Read More

Traditions


Marisa Saenz | December 8, 2019

In certain situations, like stress, I find myself at the grocery store shopping, preparing to make a meal. Cooking has . . . Read More

The Last Goodbye


Dottie Menkhaus | December 1, 2019

Few things are more heart-wrenching than saying that last goodbye to a loved one. My last goodbye to my mother . . . Read More

The Stories My Mom Shared With Me


November 24, 2019

by Julie Thompson My mom retired after 35 years of being an elementary teacher. As she was ending her teaching . . . Read More

Struggle Forward


Kristin Mitchener | November 17, 2019

Struggle: this is a word I am familiar with. Sometimes too familiar. Sometimes way too familiar. Hourly I find myself . . . Read More

It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way


Cathy DiBella | November 10, 2019

Life often looks different from what we had hoped or expected. Some events may catch us off guard for a . . . Read More

The Power of Touch


November 3, 2019

by Mary Ellen Collins I never touch anyone without permission, because touching can feel threatening. “Is it Ok to hug . . . Read More

Reclaim Your True Identity


Cestiny Crowther | October 27, 2019

I wrote this poem last year in response to a conversation I had with someone who was feeling insecure in . . . Read More

55 Years Without a Mother


October 20, 2019

Fifty-five years. Double nickels. This event fifty-five years ago set me on the course to my destination, the Motherless Daughters . . . Read More

Starting a Motherless Daughters Group: Step 5 – Finding Others to Join You


October 13, 2019

by Mary Ellen Collins We have talked about your purpose, creating a firm foundation, telling your story, and choosing a . . . Read More

Touching the Center of My Pain


October 6, 2019

by Mary Ellen Collins Scroll down this link to find the poem. Read this poem first. Then identify what moves . . . Read More

Creating a Nurturing Voice Within


September 29, 2019

by Kristin Mitchener In reading Beverly Engel’s Healing Your Emotional Self, I have remembered so many specific events from my . . . Read More

Unconditional Love


Cestiny Crowther | September 22, 2019

I chose to share this poem today as a reminder to anyone who may need to hear it. We all . . . Read More

My Inner Critics


September 15, 2019

by Mary Ellen Collins How does my inner critic show up in my life? She yells at me. She shows . . . Read More

Starting a Motherless Daughters Group: Step 4 – Choosing a location to meet


September 8, 2019

by Mary Ellen Collins Ponder the location where you will meet with your group. One of the first ideas people . . . Read More

Path


Marisa Saenz | September 1, 2019

What happens to you when life takes a turn for the worse? I, personally, get emotional. Most of the time, . . . Read More

Mirror Image


Dottie Menkhaus | August 25, 2019

Occasionally I will take a moment and stare at myself in a mirror and smile. It has nothing to do . . . Read More

I Am His Child


Cestiny Crowther | August 18, 2019

When you grow up in a mess, you tend to be a mess, attract messes, carry a mess around with . . . Read More

STARTING A MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS GROUP


Mary Ellen Collins | August 11, 2019

Step 3 – Telling Your Story Go here for Step 1 and Step 2 We each have a story to . . . Read More

Motivation


Marisa Saenz | August 4, 2019

“How can you be so bold to help others when you have so many issues yourself?”, says the critical voice . . . Read More

Starting a Motherless Daughters Group: Step 2 -- Choosing a Firm Foundation: Faith-based or Not?


Mary Ellen Collins | July 21, 2019

Many of you are considering whether or not you might want your motherless daughters group to be faith-based. When the . . . Read More

Starting a Motherless Daughters Group: Step 1—Getting Started-- Defining Your Purpose


July 14, 2019

By: Mary Ellen Collins Interested in gathering a group of motherless daughters together? Would you like the support of others . . . Read More

Not Alone


Cestiny Crowther | July 7, 2019

Typically, when I write, my words are related to something I am feeling or thinking. Other times, they are related . . . Read More

The Missing Piece


June 16, 2019

By Mary Ellen Collins Today we celebrate fathers. Fathers play a key role in the psychological development of their daughters . . . Read More

The Fear of Loss


June 10, 2019

By Dottie Jo Menkhaus In my journey as a motherless daughter, I have battled the fear of loss many times. . . . Read More

A Mother's Gentle Wisdom


June 2, 2019

By Dottie Menkhaus Certain days of the year— such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Mother’s Day—are difficult after the loss of . . . Read More

Where Can I Go?


Gladys Bell | May 26, 2019

I was never looking to become a pastor’s wife. That was not my chosen pathway. However, it was the pathway . . . Read More

Write Your Own Story


May 19, 2019

By Cathy DiBella *Watch this video first or this blog will not make sense.” Let me say right here – . . . Read More

I Can’t See


May 12, 2019

By Mary Ellen Collins I can’t see. Rain pouring down in buckets. Cats and dogs! Think I will take the . . . Read More

Journey To Forever


Cestiny Beuerlein Crowther | April 7, 2019

This poem was written in a time that I was fully facing the internal struggle of believing the lie about . . . Read More

The Voice That I Miss The Most


March 31, 2019

By: Julie Thompson It’s been 10 years since I’ve heard her voice. A voice that consistently spoke words of love . . . Read More

Getting Out


March 24, 2019

By: Marisa Saenz (Guest Blogger) When I was younger, I remember the times when my mom would gather all my . . . Read More

A New Look at 2019 Goals - It's All About Me!


March 17, 2019

By: Mary Ellen Collins I think the New Year really starts in March.  They changed the calendar; did you get . . . Read More

Anniversary - It's Just Another Day, Right?


March 10, 2019

By: Marisa Saenz (Guest Blogger) Well, here I am again. Three more days, and it will be the anniversary. I . . . Read More

Butterfly


March 3, 2019

By: Beth Corbley (Guest Blogger) “I MADE MY FAVORITE THING FOR DINNER TONIGHT … A RESERVATION.” SALLY ANN CORBLEY, AKA, . . . Read More

Getting Rid of the Roots


February 24, 2019

By: Pam C. (Guest Blogger) Healing is a process. When one suffers trauma, such as from mother loss at a . . . Read More

The Dark Place


February 17, 2019

By: DKI (Guest Blogger) Have you, for a brief moment, gone to the deepest darkest place in your grief journey . . . Read More

Take Up Your Shield


January 13, 2019

By: Christine Fishel If you’ve seen the 2018 Wonder Woman movie, you know the scene. Wielding a shield, she holds back . . . Read More

Top 10 Blogs 2018


December 30, 2018

Every year we take time to pause and reflect on what God has been doing through the Motherless Daughters Ministry. . . . Read More

Christmas Hope


December 9, 2018

By: Cathy DiBella To all my Motherless Daughters Ministry sisters, As we enter the Christmas season once again, I wanted . . . Read More

2018 World-Wide 40 Day Prayer Covenant for Motherless Daughters


November 25, 2018

By: Mary Ellen Collins The holidays are just around the corner. Not an easy time when you are grieving the . . . Read More

Either I drive or He does - My Choice


November 11, 2018

By: Cestiny Beuerlein (Guest Blogger) I remember as a teen and young adult, mom always saying, “Girl, get your head out . . . Read More

When It's Hard to See God's Kindness


November 4, 2018

By: Julie Thompson Is your life exactly how you imagined it would be? For me, my life looks very different . . . Read More

A Difficult Opportunity


Heather Wolper | October 28, 2018

By: Heather Wolper My doorbell rang on Friday. I had sick kids at home and I was still wearing the . . . Read More

You Were There


October 7, 2018

By: Julie Thompson You were there at the beginning from my very first breath when my eyes opened to see . . . Read More

Unmet Expectations


September 30, 2018

By: Heather Wolper Tuesday, was my 40th birthday.  I woke hopeful and excited anticipating the day ahead. My husband was . . . Read More

I Am Meant to Keep Going


September 23, 2018

By: Christine Fishel I’m attacking the almost year-long overgrown flower garden. Golden black-eyed susans have pushed their way through the . . . Read More

Shoulder Taps or Nudges? Which one does it take for you?


September 8, 2018

By: Mary Ellen Collins Last week I received a Facebook post.  The man on the screen tells a story I . . . Read More

The Reasons I Write


September 3, 2018

By: Julie Thompson I write because sometimes I can’t speak Of everything going on inside of me My voice may . . . Read More

Wormwood Strikes Again


August 12, 2018

By: Mary Ellen Collins *!#&@GRRR!  Wreck on 75-Southbound.  Wreck on 71-Southbound.   Wreck on 275-East.   Every path blocked!  How am I . . . Read More

A Reminder In The Clouds


August 5, 2018

By: Julie Thompson ​Sitting in a window seat of a packed flight, I look around and notice that I’m surrounded . . . Read More

The Writer Within


Mary Ellen Collins | July 15, 2018

Dear You, YES, I SAID YOU!  LISTEN UP.  IT IS TIME.  PICK UP THAT PEN AND JUST START.  YOU HEARD . . . Read More

When Life is Hard and Your Mom is Gone


July 8, 2018

By: Heather Wolper My mom has been gone almost 20 years now. It’s been almost half of my lifetime. I . . . Read More

Reflections from the Journey Retreat 2018


June 28, 2018

By: Mary Ellen Collins First, I want to tell everyone who prayed for the women and the leaders of the . . . Read More

Nail It Down


June 24, 2018

By: Christine Fishel Sometimes you get a good look in the mirror, and it’s not pretty. I’m not talking about . . . Read More

Finding Sabbath


June 17, 2018

By: Heather Wolper This has been a year of faith stretching, a year of wandering in the wilderness, a year . . . Read More

Leadership Lessons From Nehemiah


Mary Ellen Collins | June 10, 2018

I recently attended a silent retreat. Yes, I said silent. 6 hours of not conversing with anyone.  Well, no human. . . . Read More

Remembering My Mother


May 13, 2018

By: Heather Wolper Every year as the blue expanse of May sky stretches out above my head and new life . . . Read More

Here It Comes...Mother's Day


May 9, 2018

By: Mary Ellen Collins GET READY… Here is comes again!  18 ways to get through Mother’s Day! Here it comes again, . . . Read More

Dear Strong Woman


Christine Fishel | May 6, 2018

Dear Strong Woman, I see you. You ask questions, seek answers, and attempt to fix, even as you know it . . . Read More

I Can Only Imagine ... A Father's Love


April 29, 2018

By: Mary Ellen Collins Last Friday, I saw the movie, I Can Only Imagine. In case you haven’t seen it, . . . Read More

Impatience Is Pride? - 13 Points That Say It Is!


April 15, 2018

By: Mary Ellen Collins I recently heard an expert on biblical truths say that impatience is pride.  What?  No, I . . . Read More

Scraping Away The Rust


April 8, 2018

By: Heather Wolper This week I’ve felt the weight of disappointment tugging like a toddler eager for my attention, standing . . . Read More

Hurting? Give Yourself Away


March 25, 2018

By: Christine Fishel After a period of extreme amounts of loss, I want to hibernate. My sister has attended 7 . . . Read More

Not All Mothers Are A Happy Memory


Anonymous | March 18, 2018

Reflections and Book Review Honestly, I get so tired of seeing on social media, commercials, and especially in Hallmark, how . . . Read More

Year One In Heaven


March 4, 2018

By: Danielle Ilacqua (Guest Blogger) Last year at 1:17 a.m., instead of surfing social media, I sat in a hospital watching . . . Read More

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely


Cathy DiBella (Guest Blogger) | February 11, 2018

Unvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely – written by Lysa TerKeurst Most of my family . . . Read More

Who We Truly Are


Cathy Crosby (Guest Blogger) | February 4, 2018

God is the One who I’ve pressed into during difficult times in my career and as I’ve navigated my journey . . . Read More

Finding Hope In Seasons of Waiting


Heather Wolper | January 28, 2018

Are you in a season of waiting? We’ve all been there. Between us, we’ve waited for jobs, spouses and places . . . Read More

My Sister: My Gift During a Year of Loss


January 14, 2018

By: Christine Fishel When it struck 12:01 am on January 1, 2018, many people were celebrating the start of a . . . Read More

Top 10 Blogs 2017


January 7, 2018

Every year we take time to pause and reflect on what God has been doing through the Motherless Daughters Ministry. . . . Read More

One Word 2018


January 3, 2018

By: Julie Thompson On January 1st we have a tendency to reflect upon the previous year and  think about what . . . Read More

Your Age of Mother Loss And Its Effects


December 27, 2017

Over the years, the Motherless Daughters Ministry has supported thousands of women on their mother loss journeys. Although our stories . . . Read More

When The Holidays Are Bittersweet


December 10, 2017

By: Julie Thompson Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. As a child, I have fond memories of going with . . . Read More

The Gift of Gratitude


December 3, 2017

By: Heather Wolper The other day I sat at a red light on my way to the grocery store. As . . . Read More

40 Days of Prayer for Motherless Daughters: 2017


November 26, 2017

By: Mary Ellen Collins I hate the hype of Christmas!  Holidays are such a lonely time. The commercialism of the . . . Read More

Be Careful What You Pray For


November 19, 2017

By: Christine Fishel At the end of 2016, I was exhausted from the distress of helping to move my parents . . . Read More

The Day Our Family Experienced A Miracle


November 5, 2017

By: Heather Wolper Last Saturday, after cartoons and breakfast around our kitchen island, my husband found our sweet, ornery, six-year-old . . . Read More

Searching for Joy Without My Mother


Amanda Loduca (Guest Blogger) | November 1, 2017

It seems to me that most of my problems are linked to my mother’s absence. A few examples: My toddler . . . Read More

Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers (Book Review)


October 15, 2017

Book review by: Cathy DiBella (Guest Blogger) “I could not recall attachment, closeness, memories of the scent of Mother’s perfume, . . . Read More

Help For The Weary


October 8, 2017

By: Heather Wolper Sometimes life hits like a flood, covering land that was fertile and green with deep muddy water. . . . Read More

When Guilt Sets In


October 1, 2017

By: Amanda Loduca (Guest Blogger) Everyone who’s lost a mother has a different story to tell. Many are quick to . . . Read More

Trust and Obey


September 24, 2017

By: Mary Ellen Collins Being obedient to God’s call is not the easiest thing to do. Sometimes I hear His . . . Read More

Praying For A Stranger


September 17, 2017

By: Julie Thompson It started off like a typical day at the park. I was walking the trails, listening to . . . Read More

Growing Through Change


Heather Wolper | September 3, 2017

Summer, with all its lazy wonder and time spent creek wading and cannonballing, is over. And here we are trying . . . Read More

Getting Through the Neon Year


Mary Ellen Collins | August 27, 2017

I have a friend named Kim who just celebrated her 52nd birthday. She is happy and she is scared. This . . . Read More

I've Been Triggered


August 20, 2017

By: Mary Ellen Collins “I CAN SPEAK FOR MYSELF,” creeps into my brain whenever I am interrupted or they attempt . . . Read More

Resting


Danielle Ilacqua | July 30, 2017

I have found that after a life altering experience, a game changer so to speak, i.e. the death of someone . . . Read More

Fall 2017 Lineup of Classes and Events


Mary Ellen Collins | July 23, 2017

We have been diligently working over the summer to create a fantastic fall lineup of classes and events from the . . . Read More

Why A Diagnosis Brings Relief


July 16, 2017

By: Christine Fishel My mom received a definitive diagnosis last week. My sister drove us the two-hour drive to mom’s appointment . . . Read More

What's Your Chicken Noodle Soup?


July 2, 2017

By: Danielle Ilacqua (Guest Blogger) I stood in front of the freezer and had another meltdown. The tears streamed down . . . Read More

If You're Losing Your Mom To Dementia...


June 18, 2017

By: Christine Fishel If you are losing your mother to the horror of dementia, let me recommend a book I . . . Read More

When Our Stories Connect Us


Julie Thompson | June 14, 2017

We began the weekend as strangers, but left as friends and sisters in Christ. From the outside looking in, it . . . Read More

Respite


Heather Wolper | June 11, 2017

When my mom was sick, dear friends offered our family an escape from the harsh reality of cancer by the . . . Read More

I'm Taking Off My Crown


Mary Ellen Collins | June 7, 2017

I’m taking off my crown. For almost 50 years, I have lived under a curse. “We don’t like you.” “You . . . Read More

Seeing in Black and White


June 4, 2017

By: Danielle Ilacqua (Guest Blogger) Feeling like I have the scarlet letter “G” on my chest, I push forward in this . . . Read More

Wholly Undone


May 21, 2017

By: Christine Fishel I’ve been reading Ann Voskamp’s The Broken Way: A Daring Path Into The Abundant Life. I feel like . . . Read More

God Sees Your Tears


May 11, 2017

By: Danielle Ilacqua (Guest Blogger) As Mother’s Day approaches and I see hundreds of commercials for flowers or cards, I just shrink . . . Read More

Will the Pain Ever Go Away?


Mary Ellen Collins | May 10, 2017

Recently I was asked by a new motherless daughter, “Will the pain ever go away?” That is such a very . . . Read More

What Do You Do When God Says, "No?"


May 7, 2017

By: Danielle Ilacqua (Guest Blogger) Let’s face it, none of us are going to get out of this life alive. . . . Read More

Happy Anniversary to Us


April 16, 2017

By: Mary Ellen Collins Last month was an anniversary of sorts. It marks the date the we succeeded. God chased . . . Read More

The Phone Call That Changed My Life


April 10, 2017

By: Julie Thompson There are certain moments in time that change our lives forever. For me, one of those moments . . . Read More

Freedom


April 2, 2017

By: Mary Ellen Collins F-R-E-E-D-O-M! I am so happy with myself. I am capable. I am competent. I did something . . . Read More

Soup Kettle Memories


March 29, 2017

By: Heather Wolper Today, I pulled my mother’s steel soup kettle from deep within my kitchen cabinets and prepared to . . . Read More

The Curse of the Strong Woman


March 26, 2017

By: Christine Fishel I’m not a poet. And I know it. (See?) But this week I had to find a . . . Read More

The Limits of Our Grace


March 19, 2017

By: Christine Fishel The first breakthrough I had in my faith was about grace. I had been raised in an . . . Read More

Welcome to The Club


Mary Ellen Collins | March 5, 2017

When you lose a mother, you become a member of the Motherless Daughters Club, a club no one wants to . . . Read More

Daring to Commit


February 26, 2017

By: Mary Ellen Collins “People become great when they commit to something bigger than themselves” ~ Rick Warren I consider Rick . . . Read More

1 Corinthians 13


February 22, 2017

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does . . . Read More

Hello Adversity!


Chris Fishel | February 13, 2017

I’d been licking my wounds just last weekend. It seemed like a lot—the long-distance caring for my mother with Alzheimer’s . . . Read More

Leaving Room For Spilled Milk


February 8, 2017

By: Heather Wolper This morning as I was upstairs making my bed, I heard cries from downstairs, “Oh, No!! Mom! . . . Read More

Everything Within Me Wants To Escape


January 25, 2017

By: Christine Fishel Mom and Dad are in their new apartment at the assisted living facility. More than an apartment, . . . Read More

One Word Challenge


January 22, 2017

By: Julie Thompson Two years ago I gave up making New Year’s resolutions (since I always failed anyways) and starting . . . Read More

A Broken Arm Is A Blessing (And So Is Being A Motherless Daughter)


January 15, 2017

By: Cathy Crosby (Guest Blogger) It is easy to see God’s blessings in the happy times in our lives. In . . . Read More

Leaving the City of Regret


Larry Harp | January 11, 2017

(Originally posted at: Heartwarmers4u) I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found . . . Read More

Finding Grace


Heather Wolper | January 8, 2017

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 These words hung for . . . Read More

P.U.S.H.


Mary Ellen Collins | January 4, 2017

Originally published by: A Mountain Wings Moment (Issue #4040) – Author Unknown A woman was sleeping at night in her . . . Read More

Beauty From Ashes


December 28, 2016

By: Heather Wolper (Guest Blogger) As another year draws to a close, I pause. Another 12 months have come and . . . Read More

The 60's: Losing a Mother and Losing a Child


December 21, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins When a 60’s woman loses her mother, we see this as a normal life transition. “After . . . Read More

An Unexpected Gift


December 11, 2016

By: Julie Thompson Growing up, I loved the Christmas season. I loved listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas movies, eating . . . Read More

40 Days of Prayer During the Holidays


November 27, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins I hate the hype of Christmas! Holidays are such a lonely time. The commercialism of the . . . Read More

Mother Loss - The 50's: A Time of Transition, Change, and Loss


November 20, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins During the 50’s, the key words for women to embrace are transition and change. Everything in her . . . Read More

Chasing Turtles


Cindy Stepanek | November 16, 2016

As the surgeon looked into my eyes, he said, “Your knee is right where it is supposed to be. I . . . Read More

Picture


November 13, 2016

By: Heather Wolper (Guest Blogger) A picture of my parents sits on a table in our entry hall among family . . . Read More

Dear Childhood Home


Julie Thompson | November 9, 2016

Dear Childhood Home, For 34 years, I called you home. Within your walls, memories were made: baking cookies, brownies, pizzelles, . . . Read More

Dear Other Mother


November 2, 2016

By: Christine Fishel As my siblings and I watch the mental deterioration of our mom, we see more and more of . . . Read More

Still Lost Without You


October 26, 2016

By: Veronica McCall (Guest Blogger) I have always been a strong person and planning out almost anything is part of . . . Read More

Mother Loss and Age of Emotional Development: The 40's – Loneliness, Regret, Loss of Identity


October 23, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins Women who have experienced mother loss in the 40’s have often expressed emotions connected to the . . . Read More

Lost Without You


Veronica McCall | October 19, 2016

As a little girl, I always looked up to you and enjoyed being in your presence. You were God-sent to . . . Read More

Waves of Grief


October 16, 2016

By: Heather Wolper (Guest Blogger) I am in dark, choppy water and I can’t feel the bottom or see the shore. . . . Read More

Dear God, Why?!


Christine Fishel | October 12, 2016

Dear God, why?! What are you doing? Why are you allowing this to happen? I need her! That’s my only . . . Read More

Made Well: An Invitation To Healing


Julie Thompson | October 5, 2016

I recently finished reading Jenny Simmons’ latest book, Made Well: Finding Wholeness in the Everyday Sacred Moments.   Made Well is . . . Read More

Help In Troubled Times (Thoughts on Mark 10:32-34)


Cindy Stepanek | October 2, 2016

Mark 10:32-34 In verse 32 Mark says that the disciples were headed to Jerusalem and “Jesus was leading the way”.    Jesus . . . Read More

Mother Loss in the 30's - Guilt & Regret


Mary Ellen Collins | September 25, 2016

I apologize for the gap in writing about mother loss and stage of emotional development. I am back from a . . . Read More

Do Something


September 21, 2016

By: Cindy Stepanek (Guest Blogger) Yesterday my husband, Jeff, took me to the surgeon for my post op visit after . . . Read More

Celebrating Life


September 18, 2016

By: Heather Wolper Every year as my birthday approaches, I think of my mother. I remember chocolate cakes made lovingly from . . . Read More

When You're Feeling Restless


September 14, 2016

By: Julie Thompson Every week, I read lots of blogs. I’m drawn to writers who are vulnerable and honest in . . . Read More

Don't Shoot the Rabbit


By: Karen Alexander Doyel (Guest Blogger) | September 4, 2016

Yesterday, a big fat rabbit was eating some of my tomatoes. As I was washing dishes after dinner, my husband, . . . Read More

What's Going On In Her Mind


August 28, 2016

By: Kris Fisher Last night, my friend lost her mom. She held a vigil at her mother’s bedside for 9 . . . Read More

Fall 2016 Lineup of Classes and Events


Mary Ellen Collins | August 25, 2016

We have been diligently working over the summer to create a fantastic fall lineup of classes and events from the . . . Read More

What It Means to Travel Through Grief


Amanda Black (Guest Blogger) | August 24, 2016

It’s been two and half months since I left home after my mom died. I spent all of this time . . . Read More

Grieving For Summer


August 21, 2016

By: Heather Wolper (Guest Blogger) Every year I grieve a bit as Summer comes to a close. I grieve the . . . Read More

Send Me


August 17, 2016

By: Cindy Stepanek (Guest Blogger) My mom has been gone for over 26 years. I can still hear her telling . . . Read More

I'm Losing My Mother


Kris Fisher | August 10, 2016

I feel like I finally have a relationship with my mother and now I’m losing her. Already.   Again.  For most . . . Read More

Times Are Changing


Karen Alexander-Doyel (Guest Blogger) | August 7, 2016

Have you noticed that the world around us is changing moment by moment?  It seems some of the biggest changes . . . Read More

Life Lessons: Forgiveness and Grace


July 24, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins I have been digging into the memories of my life and recalling the sources of some . . . Read More

Choosing Faith in the Face of Negativity


July 20, 2016

By: Cindy Stepanek (Guest Blogger) Mark 3:20-30 I love how reading the Bible puts a whole new perspective on life. . . . Read More

I'll Be With You


July 13, 2016

By: Julie Thompson Over the years So much has changed But I promise you that My love’s still the same . . . Read More

Growing Gardenias


July 10, 2016

By: Heather Wolper (Guest Blogger) Last night as I left the grocery, holding a sleeping baby in one arm and pushing . . . Read More

Why Can't I Rest?


July 6, 2016

By Christine Fishel I’m so flippin’ tired! I can understand why I’m exhausted—my four kids, the fact that I haven’t . . . Read More

Music and Memories


June 27, 2016

By: Julie Thompson “Sometimes it’s not the song that makes you emotional, it’s the people and things that come to . . . Read More

How God Surprised Me


June 15, 2016

By: Julie Thompson Bravery doesn’t always involve risking your life for someone else. Sometimes it is taking a risk for . . . Read More

Confessions of a Compulsive Motherer


Christine Fishel | June 8, 2016

Everywhere I go, I am surrounded by little kids. And it’s not that they are drawn to me, it’s that . . . Read More

Being Honest With God


Julie Thompson | June 5, 2016

I previously blogged about my adventures into the world of Bible Art Journaling. Since my initial blog, I bought more . . . Read More

Moving On


Thelesia Wynter | May 29, 2016

It was once easy to write about my feelings of mother loss. I’m finding it harder these days as my . . . Read More

Grief: The Sad-Mad


May 25, 2016

By: Christine Fishel Grief has lots of emotions. Sometimes, when we experience it, all we want is to escape into . . . Read More

Hold On


May 18, 2016

By: Julie Thompson As I stand here and say What happened today? I can see it in your eyes Something . . . Read More

Stages of Emotional Development & Age of Loss: 20's


May 15, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins “I felt like a ship set adrift, lost, without a way to steer and I could . . . Read More

Holding Onto Her


May 11, 2016

By: Christine Fishel It’s been five yeas since Janet lost her mom. She remembers the date each year, just as . . . Read More

By My Side


May 7, 2016

By: Julie Thompson When you left this world You took a part of me But now you’re home Now you’re . . . Read More

18 Ways to Get Through Mother's Day


May 4, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins GET READY… Here is comes again!  18 ways to get through Mother’s Day! Here it comes . . . Read More

The Individuation Process


April 24, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins “Growing up is hard to do,” but that doesn’t really begin to capture the struggle many . . . Read More

Looking For Lovely


April 20, 2016

By: Julie Thompson I know they say you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but when I saw the . . . Read More

Cultivating Thankfulness That Can’t Be Erased


April 17, 2016

By: Christine Fishel I had a great idea. I was tired of hearing my four children spout off ungrateful comments . . . Read More

What Jesus Teaches Through a Simple Hug


April 10, 2016

By: Cindy Stepanek (Guest Blogger) Mark 10:13-16 In this reading, people are bringing little children to Jesus to bless. The . . . Read More

My Story


April 3, 2016

By: Tia Wilson I turned 26 this past June. I still have very vivid memories as a 9 year old . . . Read More

Stages of Emotional Development and Age of Loss: 13-18 year olds


March 28, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins “Who AM I?”  “How Do I Fit?” During adolescence the transition from childhood to adulthood is . . . Read More

I'll Never Forget


March 23, 2016

By: Julie Thompson I’ve always had a hard time remembering dates. Whether it’s dates of famous historical events or even . . . Read More

Changing the Mother-Daughter Relationship


March 21, 2016

By: Christine Fishel I just saw the movie Still Alice for the second time. I was filled with a strange . . . Read More

Stages of Emotional Development and Age of Loss: 6-12 year olds


Mary Ellen Collins | March 9, 2016

We introduced you to the Stages of Emotional Development and Mother loss in an earlier blog . Basically, the concept is: . . . Read More

3 Things To Do When Your Heart Is Breaking


March 7, 2016

By: Christine Fishel My heart is breaking. My son is hurting. He’s only eight years old and the many things . . . Read More

The Letters: 10 Lessons in Overcoming Obstacles & Adversity When You Are Called To Do God's Work


March 3, 2016

By: Mary Ellen Collins Overcoming obstacles and adversity are common for most women on their mother loss journey.  We know . . . Read More

The Long Road of Forgiveness


Kris Fisher | February 29, 2016

I have been making peace with my mom one little step at a time for many years. A while back . . . Read More

Taking Risks


Julie Thompson | February 21, 2016

This past summer I took a risk. I did something I had thought about for years, but kept putting off. . . . Read More

Age of Loss 0-6 yrs. old


Mary Ellen Collins | February 17, 2016

We introduced you to the Stages of Emotional Development and Mother loss in an earlier blog. Basically, the concept is: . . . Read More

I Resolve to Release Myself From Bitterness


February 15, 2016

By: Christine Fishel I’m learning something new on this road to forgiveness: Bitterness is a giant stumbling block, a fallen . . . Read More

Dear You,


Thelesia Wynter | February 11, 2016

Dear you, It’s been five years since we broke up.  I know you’ve moved on and so have I but . . . Read More

This I Know...


Julie Thompson | February 8, 2016

Below is something I wrote awhile ago, but it still holds meaning to me today. I wrote it at a . . . Read More

The Scale


Cindy Stepanek | February 1, 2016

Matthew 19:16-30 One of the connecting points I have with my daughter, Lexi, is our passion to talk about all . . . Read More

Cold Tangerines


Thelesia Wynter | January 27, 2016

Today is good. I love reading books when the author feels like a friend. I make a cup of apricot . . . Read More

Descendants: A Daughter’s Search for Identity


January 24, 2016

By: Christine Fishel A snow day is a perfect family movie day. My family and I used the snow day . . . Read More

The Age of Mother Loss and Stages of Emotional Development


Mary Ellen Collins | January 21, 2016

In the Motherless Daughters Journey class, we facilitate an exercise called “What was it like?” The goal of the exercise . . . Read More

Are You Willing to Do Anything?


Julie Thompson | January 17, 2016

A few months ago, I joined a Women’s Bible study at my church and we did a study by Jennie . . . Read More

The Scroll


Cindy Stepanek | January 13, 2016

Matthew 18:10-14 One of the buttons that Satan uses to send me into Crazy Town is the news. I realize . . . Read More

A Time to Rest


Cindy Stepanek | January 10, 2016

  One day my friend and I were sitting on a bench, drinking coffee and chatting about Matthew 14:22-33. We . . . Read More

One Word Challenge


January 1, 2016

By: Julie Thompson Welcome to 2016! For many, this means New Years Resolutions. For me, I’ve never been a fan . . . Read More

How Do I Handle My Fear of My Mom Rejecting Me?


December 27, 2015

By: Anonymous I just had shoulder surgery. It requires 4 weeks of recovery in a sling and physical therapy.  I . . . Read More

Holiday Grief


Cindy Stepanek | December 23, 2015

Christmas was my mom’s favorite time of year. Sometime in the fall when the leaves start to change and the . . . Read More

Family Drama in the Movie Home For the Holidays


December 20, 2015

By: Christine Fishel “When you go home, do you look around and go, ‘Who are these people? Where did I . . . Read More

Time is a Gift


Julie Thompson | December 13, 2015

For some people, the perfect night involves getting all dressed up and then going out to a party. For me, . . . Read More

Traditions


Cindy Stepanek | December 9, 2015

Everyone has Christmas traditions. Some are good and some should not be carried on. One of my favorite traditions growing . . . Read More

5 Steps to Controlling Stress


Mary Ellen Collins | December 6, 2015

Rick Warren, pastor at Saddleback Church in California, is someone who I connect with.  He challenges my thinking and pushes . . . Read More

The Perspective


Cindy Stepanek | December 2, 2015

Matthew 20:1-16 In the book The Noticer, by Andy Anderson, he talks about a perspective. No matter what the situation, . . . Read More

World-Wide 40 Day Prayer Covenant for Motherless Daughters


November 30, 2015

By: Mary Ellen Collins I hate the hype of Christmas!  Holidays are such a lonely time.  The commercialism of the . . . Read More

Why It Can Be Hard to Go Home For the Holidays


November 25, 2015

By: Christine Fishel When you think about celebrating the holidays with your extended family, what emotions come to mind? I . . . Read More

Bible Art Journaling


Mary Ellen Collins | November 23, 2015

* The Motherless Daughters Ministry is excited to announce that we will be offering Bible Art Journaling lessons by Sue Carroll. . . . Read More

Do I Have to Do That? The Pressure of Carrying on Traditions


November 18, 2015

By: Christine Fishel I just threw out great Aunt Alice’s African violet. It was almost dead, but a part of . . . Read More

I Want My Mom


Cindy Stepanek | November 16, 2015

I have often written about my mom’s emotional absence, but this is the time of year she turned into the . . . Read More

Mother Loss At the Movies: "The Intern"


November 11, 2015

By: Mary Ellen Collins I have to admit, I love going to the movies. The only problem is I cannot . . . Read More

What About Me?


November 9, 2015

By: Christine Fishel Around this time of year, when I want to focus on thankfulness and giving, I find myself . . . Read More

The Tunnel


Cindy Stepanek | November 4, 2015

I do not like tunnels, especially if they go under water. I have this unrealistic fear that I will be . . . Read More

The Pharisee


Cindy Stepanek | November 1, 2015

Matthew 15: 1-20   When I went to bed this morning, I thought I had this parable all figured out in . . . Read More

To Be Like a Child


October 25, 2015

By: Mary Ellen Collins My friend Missy has twin boys — Andrew and Emmett.  Both are precious with very different . . . Read More

Jesus, Is That You?


Cindy Stepanek | October 18, 2015

Matthew 14: 34-36 One of my biggest concerns is that I may not know Jesus when He comes. How will . . . Read More

Jesus In The Storm


Cindy Stepanek | October 11, 2015

Matthew 14:34-36 I have always loved the story of Jesus walking on water, but today it touches my heart in . . . Read More

Happiness is a Choice


Mary Ellen Collins | October 4, 2015

Today I am starting my day with positive thoughts.  I have realized this is a major source of my stress. . . . Read More

I am a Motherless Daughter: Living Mother


Anonymous | September 30, 2015

I am a motherless daughter, but it’s hard for me to define myself this way. Maybe mothered-less is a better . . . Read More

I am a Motherless Daughter: Double Loss


Cindy Stepanek | September 27, 2015

  I am a motherless daughter; my story is of a double loss. I physically lost my mom to poorly . . . Read More

I am a Motherless Daughter: Early Loss


Mary Ellen Collins | September 23, 2015

I am a motherless daughter. I lost my mother to breast cancer back in the 1960’s. Her loss is engraved . . . Read More

Who is a Motherless Daughter?


September 20, 2015

By: Mary Ellen Collins When I talk about the Motherless Daughters Ministry, people often ask who is a motherless daughter? . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | September 16, 2015

Lies, All Lies Matthew 12:17-21 Isaiah prophesied about Jesus saying, He was the chosen one, God delighted in Him and . . . Read More

What About My Father?


Kris Fisher | September 13, 2015

“You’re a good good father. It’s who you are…. I’m loved by you. It’s who I am.” The first time . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | September 6, 2015

Just Leave Matthew 12:15-16 I admit I am a people pleaser, and I confess that I also have problems setting . . . Read More

I Want Candy!


September 2, 2015

By: Christine Fishel I have temper tantrums. They don’t look like the ones my young children have, but they are . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | August 30, 2015

Who Am I? Matthew 12:14-15 This is another one of those times I don’t want to confess my weaknesses. There . . . Read More

Stepping Out of the Boat


Julie Thompson | August 23, 2015

Growing up, I went to church each week. I remember going to Children’s Church and singing songs (such as “Father . . . Read More

One Drop at a Time


Cindy Stepanek | August 17, 2015

I was looking out the window at last night’s dew on the garden when I noticed a drop precariously hanging . . . Read More

Peeling Back The Layers


August 13, 2015

By: Christine Fishel We needed new flooring in our family room. Off-white carpet had existed in this room that is . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | August 10, 2015

Matthew 8:23-27 Take Your Eyes Off Jesus The Sea of Galilee is actually the largest fresh water lake in Israel. . . . Read More

6 Lessons I Learned Moving From Darkness to Light


Julie Thompson | August 5, 2015

Light and darkness – two extremes. Light creates heat, darkness brings cooler temperatures. Light creates a feeling of safety, darkness . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | August 3, 2015

Matthew 7:24-25 The Jesus Cruise I really thought the New Testament was going to be pretty easy because it is . . . Read More

God's Plan For You


Mary Marcum | July 29, 2015

  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to . . . Read More

The Choice


Cindy Stepanek | July 27, 2015

I am very blessed to have my youngest daughter edit my blog articles for me. Every now and then she . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | July 23, 2015

Matthew 5:43-48 Do you ever wonder what the people thought when Jesus told them to love their enemy and pray . . . Read More

Revisiting Relationship Expectations


July 19, 2015

By: Christine Fishel I have a new friend whose mom passed away last year. “I miss her a lot,” my . . . Read More

Necklace or Noose


Cindy Stepanek | July 13, 2015

We all have baggage from our past. We carry it around with us as if it were the family fortune. . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | July 6, 2015

Matthew 4:1-11 If You Will…I Will…. I know this isn’t true, but sometimes I feel like God wrote the Bible . . . Read More

God Prepares


Cindy Stepanek | June 29, 2015

I have been a nurse for 30 years, the last 15 years in Home Care. This may surprise most people, . . . Read More

Feelings Are Not Facts


June 26, 2015

By: Mary Ellen Collins I am feeling pretty down today. Questioning everything about me. As in control as I may . . . Read More

What Loss Taught Me About Life


June 24, 2015

By: Julie Thompson “Happy Birthday!” As a kid, I remember being so excited to celebrate my birthday each year. I . . . Read More

Connecting with my Daughters Through Bible Study


June 22, 2015

By: Christine Fishel I have always fretted about the right way to mother my two girls. We came into each . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | June 19, 2015

Zechariah 11:12 I don’t know if verse 12 is prophesying the betrayal of Jesus but for me it does. In . . . Read More

A Life Full of Love and Faith


Julie Thompson | June 15, 2015

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | June 10, 2015

Trust Zechariah 2 In this chapter God is calling the exiled Israelite s back to build the temple in Jerusalem . . . Read More

Dirt Under My Nails


Jenny Crabtree | June 5, 2015

Spring is a wonderful time of year! I’m happy when my fingers are turning over soil, finding fat earthworms, planting . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | June 2, 2015

Boundaries Zechariah 1 I am constantly amazed at what I have learned and am learning about relationships and who I . . . Read More

Accept the Gratitude


Judy Roll | May 29, 2015

My mother loss was an emotional loss because of family illness or dramatic circumstances that kept my mom emotionally unavailable . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | May 27, 2015

By: Cindy Stepanek Haggai 2 God’s Instructions Can you imagine how overwhelming it would be to rebuild the temple? There . . . Read More

Tell Them What They've Done


May 24, 2015

By: Christine Fishel I made my friend cry. She’s tough as nails, so it caught me off guard. I had . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Christine Fishel | May 19, 2015

Jonah 1 Running To or From I can’t seem to stop thinking about all the different things to learn from . . . Read More

Talk To Me


Kris Fisher | May 13, 2015

My eleven year-old daughter and I spent a recent Sunday afternoon in a local laser tag facility. We were on . . . Read More

Mother's Day


Cindy Stepanek | May 8, 2015

Mother’s Day has always been a conundrum for me. Growing up, my relationship with my mom was always a bit . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | May 6, 2015

Scripture Passage: Amos 8 I would really like to ask, “How could the people in Amos’s time be impatient for . . . Read More

How Well Are You Sleeping...or not?


Jenny Crabtree | May 3, 2015

The subject of sleep (or better yet, non-sleep) has been on my mind this week.  We women juggle family, career, . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | April 29, 2015

* Each week I will be posting a scripture passage from my quiet time, along with my random, but profound . . . Read More

The Women In My Mirror


April 26, 2015

By: Christine Fishel I am starting to look like my mom. I’m 47 years old, and I’ve never had much . . . Read More

Random and Profound Thoughts


Cindy Stepanek | April 22, 2015

* Each week I will be posting a scripture passage from my quiet time, along with my random, but profound . . . Read More

The Crossroads of Fear and Faith


April 18, 2015

By: Mary Ellen Collins   Welcome to our new blog from the Motherless Daughters Ministry.  We are excited to be . . . Read More