Who doesn't want to be close to their mother, especially on Mother's Day? But for thousands it's just not possible. Being with Mom hurts too much. Her "love" is toxic. It causes too much emotional pain. No time is this more controversial and guilt-inducing than on Mother's Day.

I'm a single mom, and I live with my two boys, ages five and seven, all by myself. I've become adept at managing the day-to-day routine alone. In fact, the idea of asking for help at this point is almost embarrassing. To me, relying on someone, asking for help, means I'm weak and needy.