Sunday, November 12, 2006
Holidays can be Hell--or a Time of Joy
Most people view the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, as a time of joy and thanksgiving; however, for the person who has experienced a loss it is another reminder that their loved one isn't alive.
Family traditions may have been interrupted: Dad may have always carved the turkey or cut the ham. Loved ones may have gathered at grandma’s house. Family members may have sat in certain chairs around the table. Trees were always decorated by certain family members. Gifts were exchanged between specific people. This year, all of that may have changed if there has been a death.
Instead of feeling joyful and counting one's blessings, one feels a sense of loss, a sense of loneliness. You may remember certain things about what your loved one said, did, or how he/she reacted to the holidays.
I reviewed my journal from my first Thanksgiving after the death of my son Dennis (11-23-00) and I noticed that I recorded a lot of things to be thankful for. I also noted that the pain had begun to lessen a little.
So, as you experience you first, second, third, or even tenth Thanksgiving or Christmas, keep in mind that I and many others have survived the holidays.
Holidays can be hell but they can also become a time of thankfulness and joy. For that I'm very thankful
Family traditions may have been interrupted: Dad may have always carved the turkey or cut the ham. Loved ones may have gathered at grandma’s house. Family members may have sat in certain chairs around the table. Trees were always decorated by certain family members. Gifts were exchanged between specific people. This year, all of that may have changed if there has been a death.
Instead of feeling joyful and counting one's blessings, one feels a sense of loss, a sense of loneliness. You may remember certain things about what your loved one said, did, or how he/she reacted to the holidays.
I reviewed my journal from my first Thanksgiving after the death of my son Dennis (11-23-00) and I noticed that I recorded a lot of things to be thankful for. I also noted that the pain had begun to lessen a little.
So, as you experience you first, second, third, or even tenth Thanksgiving or Christmas, keep in mind that I and many others have survived the holidays.
Holidays can be hell but they can also become a time of thankfulness and joy. For that I'm very thankful
# posted by survivors story @ 3:23 AM 
