By sharing my writing (Poetry in particular), a life long dream, I hope to inspire others to go after their dreams and goals.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Grief During the Holidays

Today marks 7 years since my beautiful mother passed away suddenly. Although she had been battling diabetes, her death came as a shock. She had just turned 60. Her death certificate listed the cause of death as "natural causes." She died Thanksgiving week.

I have always been a firm believer that the holidays, as beautiful as they are, can be a time of great loneliness, heartache, desperation and hopelessness for many people.

While alot of us run around buying the latest and greatest material thing for our loved ones, or spend hours cooking in anticipation of visiting family and friends, others are caught in a deep pit of unhappiness and can't wait for the holidays to be over. For them the holidays serve as a reminder of people they have lost, family life they don't share in and the financial stress the holidays can bring.

This is the 1st Thanksgiving that I feel lighthearted and can remember my mother with pure joy, but it took a long time to get to this day.

So I would encourage each of us to be mindful of family, friends and neighbors who may seem a little down this time of year. Reach out with empathy and compassion. Please do not dismiss their feelings. Their feelings are valid. They cannot just turn off their sadness, grief, and loneliness just because it is a holiday. Encourage them to join in holiday plans but be respectful if they decline.

Thanksgiving is a day to show gratitude and thanks. A day to spend with those we love or if we choose, to spend time alone.

So enjoy some turkey and all the delicious side dishes or not. Watch some football or the Macy's parade or not. Go to the movies or not. In other words do whatever feels right for YOU. Traditional or modern. That's up to you.

As my grandma always says, "Happy gobble, gobble day!"

Thankful for each of you,
Valerie

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