Motherless daughters urged to share their stories to normalise griefBy Jessica Ross and Sheridan StewartABC Sunshine CoastTopic:Grief1h ago1 hours agoFri 9 May 2025 at 1:08amMorgan Hunter's mother, father and two sisters (pictured) died in a car crash that she and her brother survived. (Supplied: Morgan Hunter)abc.net.au/news/how-women-who-have-lost-their-mums-mark-mothers-day/105264398Link copiedShareShare articleMorgan Hunter was just nine months old when she lost her parents and two sisters in a horrific car accident.The 31-year-old, from Queensland's Sunshine Coast, thought she had no memories of her mother Kerrie — until recently."I was able to watch a family video for the first time and I heard her laugh," Ms Hunter said."I could actually hear that it was the voice that I could remember, so that was quite a beautiful experience for me to be able to know that she's been with me all along."Mother's Day painMs Hunter and her brother, who also survived the 1994 crash, were raised by their aunt and uncle.Ms Hunter, pictured as a baby with her brother, who also survived the crash. (Supplied)"You used to have the Mother's Day stalls at school," she said."I was still picking out a present for someone who stood in the place of a mum, but she never was my mum — it never felt truly real or whole."The first three quarters of my life I didn't really talk a lot about my mum or my family."Ms Hunter says growing up not knowing her mother made her grief "even more confusing". (Supplied)When she did speak, Ms Hunter said her grief would often be "minimised"."People will kind of say, 'But you didn't know them so you wouldn't really understand what grief or what loss is,'" she said."There's this hole that is kind of unexplained because that loss is more of a somatic or physical experience."Ms Hunter, pictured with her husband Ed, says people have tried to minimise her grief over the years. (Supplied: Morgan Hunter)Honouring her mum's memoryMs Hunter is one of 3.9 million Australian women who have lost their mum, with 1.2 million experiencing the profound loss before the age of 44.A few years ago, she discovered advocacy group Motherless Daughters Australia.Ms Hunter says talking about and remembering her mother and family has helped her immensely. (Supplied)"It's been such a humanising experience, it's made me feel like there are people out there who just get it," she said.The group has also transformed the way she now deals with her grief."For a long time, I didn't have any rituals. It's something I'm starting to build and develop," she said."I read through her [Kerrie's] journals on days of significance, like her birthday or on Mother's Day, I'll try and really lean into that connection and try and understand her."I will light a candle. I might make a recipe from her recipe book to try and eat something that she enjoyed."Ms Hunter says being able to talk to other woman who have lost their mothers has been life-changing for her. (Supplied)She said finally talking about her mother had brought her a lot of comfort."She is described as being born to be a mum … incredibly nurturing and really aware of her kids and what they loved and was always trying to make every single day a special experience," she said."The way that people talk, it's apparent Mum had such a big place in a lot of people's lives, she made such a mark in a really beautiful way."Reclaiming the dayDanielle Snelling co-founded Motherless Daughters Australia in 2013, after losing her mum Rosa to a rare gynaecological cancer.Ms Snelling said it was important to remember the origins of Mother's Day, which was founded in 1905 by Anna Jarvis, after the American's mother Ann died.Danielle Snelling hopes to normalise discussions about grief to help bereaved daughters. (Supplied: Motherless Daughters Australia)"That helps women in our community have a sense of ownership on the day … to feel that they can very much partake in Mother's Day, and the day actually exists through a daughter grieving her mum," Ms Snelling said."This year, our campaign is focusing on educating people that grief's not brief."Whether you lost your mum a year ago, six months ago or 20 years ago, the impact of that grief and loss is still very much present, especially at this time of year — however you feel is perfectly fine."Here's how to help:It's OK not to know what to say. Sometimes sitting in silence and listening is the perfect way to show support.Listen without directing away from the grief.Send a quick text to let them know you're thinking of them or ask if they would like to meet for a coffee.Share memories and stories.Don't be afraid to mention their mother's name.Don't assume the person grieving is over their loss just because they appear to be having a good day.Keep in touch.She said the time leading up to Mother's Day could be just as tough but there were ways to support those who were grieving.While Motherless Daughters Australia is an organisation created specifically for women, much of the support and insights shared can be equally helpful for sons who are grieving, or for those wanting to support a bereaved woman.ABC Sunshine — local news in your inboxGet our local newsletter, delivered free each WednesdayYour information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribePosted 1h ago1 hours agoFri 9 May 2025 at 1:08amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)If you need someone to talk to, call:Lifeline on 13 11 14Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36Headspace on 1800 650 890QLife on 1800 184 527Top StoriesPM tells caucus to maintain 'laser-like' focus on voters, as dumped minister Ed Husic a no-showLIVEPhoto shows Anthony Albanese with two fists in the air.Australia's political conclave theatrics feel blokey, but the future is femaleAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Sussan LeyErin Patterson took son on hour long drive despite feeling sick, murder trial hearsLIVEPhoto shows A digital drawing of Erin Patterson wearing a pink shirtAn energy giant 'drained' this householder's batteryTopic:Energy IndustryPhoto shows Man wearing baseball cap and khaki green t-shirt standing next to household Tesla batteryIn 10 minutes, Pope Leo XIV told us a lot about himself, and his agendaTopic:Religious LeadersPhoto shows Newly elected Pope Leo XIV looks up when appears on the balcony at the VaticanRelated storiesDanielle was 23 when she lost her mum. 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