While many people will be celebrating Mother’s Day this weekend with events, family get togethers and social media posts, the holiday can be a difficult time for those who have lost a mother figure.

Admissions Coordinator Nurse with St. Croix Hospice in Panora Dan Scheuermann says when holidays like Mother’s Day come along, it’s good to outwardly grieve and make those feelings known, “When you’re able to put it in front of you in a visual form it becomes more real. And it’s not an abnormal feeling that ‘Why do I feel this way?’ It allows you to recognize it and kind of own it in some senses.”

Scheuermann says an effective way to grieve a mother figure may be starting a ritual to honor who the deceased were, such as planting a garden, or lighting a candle. He encourages those who are struggling to seek professional help, call a hotline, or join a support group.