In the aftermath of the devastating Texas floods, I found myself holding space for a lot more than just summer chaos. Like many parents, I was juggling everyday responsibilities while quietly carrying the emotional weight of loss, uncertainty, and fear. As back-to-school season approaches, I realize that many of us—especially moms—may be stepping into fall with invisible grief and tough conversations ahead. I asked Stephanie Dyck, a grief counselor and fellow mom, to help unpack what so many of us are feeling beneath the surface. This two-part blog is an honest, compassionate look at the unseen grief many mothers carry—and how we can begin to navigate it with gentleness and grace. -Kristi
I don’t know what your day looks like, but here’s mine so far…
The kids are playing on the slip-n-slide (miraculously getting along), I’ve got my fifth load of laundry in the dryer, groceries are sorted for our upcoming road trip, I actually showered, dinner’s prepped, I hit 10,000 steps before the kids were awake, and I even squeezed in some business content planning.
Sounds like a superwoman kind of day, right?
Well, yesterday looked nothing like this.
Yesterday, I barely had the energy to take a short walk. It started by not getting the sleep I needed, doom-scrolling first thing in the morning, and just feeling disconnected from reality – and definitely my family. You see, it is because of the stress and grief I carry behind the scenes, that I was brain-foggy, frustrated, and fighting back tears while my amazing husband picked up the slack and made dinner happen.
That’s the unseen side of motherhood. The part behind the smile. The part where we carry grief—big and small—while still showing up for our people.
Some grief is easy to see. Other grief? It stays tucked away.
It hides in the background of your day—behind the smiles, the schedules, and the “I’m fine” replies.
It’s not always loud, but it’s always there. Maybe it’s from the past. Maybe it’s fresh.
Maybe it’s the collective ache we’re all carrying right now.
And while the world may not notice it… you do. Especially in the quiet moments when your body remembers what your mind tries to forget.
If life has felt heavier than usual, here are just a few pieces of what we’re collectively carrying:
- The devastation of the floods in Texas and across the country
- This amount of loss and trauma can feel too overwhelming to even comprehend.
- It’s okay, and maybe even necessary, to break it down and grieve in layers – taking in only what you are able to face on that particular day.
- Wildfires spreading throughout parts of the country
- The death of beloved public figures and celebrities
- Ongoing world events and tragedies that shake our sense of safety
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, seen or unseen, it matters. We’ll dive into more tools for processing grief—and how to support your kids through it—in part two of this series.
Unseen Grief Moms May Be Carrying Everyday:
- Death or illness of a loved one (this may be acknowledged by others at first, then silence sets in)
- Divorce in the family
- Estrangement
- Mental/Physical Health Challenges
- End of a career
- Moving
- Loss of Identity
- Aging – changes in physical appearance or mental capacity
- And so many more…
aWant to Collaborate?
I’m always looking to feature real stories and expert insights from amazing moms (and mom-adjacent pros!) here on Adventures in Momsville. If you’re a:
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Allergy or wellness specialist
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Equestrian or barrel racing mama
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Family or lifestyle photographer
- Travel agent or blogger
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Or just someone with a heartfelt story or a parenting tip to share…
Let’s connect and create something together! I love highlighting niche topics that other moms can truly relate to and learn from. If that sounds like you, send me a message at adventures-momsville@gmail.com or reach out via Instagram.
Unique Sympathy Gift: In times of loss, words often fall short. “No Words, Just Hugs” is not just a message; it’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, making our aromatherapy candle an ideal sympathy gift for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one
