I have to be honest, John: Today is a tough day for me this year. Like so many families across New Mexico, I had really been looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with my mom, my daughters and my grandchildren. 

It hurts to not be with them at such a difficult time: I want to know when I’ll get the chance to hold my mom’s hand again and when I can give my grandkids a great big hug.

I know lots of others are feeling that hurt, too – and I know just how fortunate I am that my loved ones are safe. I have a special place in my heart today for all of those who are grieving the loss of a mother or another meaningful person in their lives.

What’s getting me through these long days is knowing that I’m doing everything I can to keep them safe. Keeping our distance is so hard, especially when we want more than ever to hold our loved ones close. But this is how we protect our moms, our daughters, our grandmas – our entire community – so that our neighbors get the chance to hold their moms and daughters and grandmas again, too. 

This is a different kind of Mother’s Day than we’ve ever had before. So this year, I’m going to do things a little differently, too. In honor of the thousands of families who can’t be together today, I’m raising money for Navajo and Pueblo families in need. These communities have been affected greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic, and if you can, I hope you’ll join me in showing your support for them today.  

Click here to make a gift to the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Click here to make a gift to the Pueblo Relief Fund.

I’m sending Mother’s Day wishes out to all the mothers across New Mexico who can’t be with their loved ones today. And I’m so grateful to each and every person doing his or her part to keep our communities safe. 

For now, I’m glad I can see my grandkids through a car window and call my mom on the phone. I know it’s not the same, but I know that’s what it’s going to take to make sure each and every one of us stays safe.

Thank you, John. 

Michelle Lujan Grisham