December 31, 2021
After you lose a child, there are a number of triggers that affect your grief. You could be having a “decent” day, but a noise, smell, or sound of ambulance sirens can take you back instantaneously. The stress of the holiday season can sometimes be too much to bare. We feel the pressure to do things the way we’ve always done them. However sometimes, creating new traditions is exactly what we need to lessen the burden of grief and create new ways to honor the child we are missing. Take a moment and read this article from The Today Show and how bereaved mother, Carol Smith, created new traditions to honor her son who died on New Years Eve.
“Every year around this time, when others are rushing around making merry, I start to panic. But not for the reasons others might. I’m not worried about getting those holiday houseguests to leave, or prepping for New Year’s parties, or even finishing up the Christmas cards I never managed to send out. I’m worried about getting through the last week of the year without collapsing under the emotional weight of grief.
The winter holidays are hard for me, as they are for so many others who, like me, have lost a loved one, especially if those deaths occurred on or around a holiday. My 7-year-old son Christopher died on New Year’s Eve. It’s been 27 years, but parties and noisemakers and fireworks still make me want to hide…..
…..A few days ago, an acquaintance of mine, who has lost a child of her own, signed off an email to me with these words: “I hope you have a gentle holiday.” Yes, I thought. This. Be gentle with yourself. Be gentle with others. It’s the best New Year’s resolution we can make.”
Have a Gentle and Peaceful New Year!
Your Friends at Faith’s Lodge
