Getting Through the Holidays

I  found this calendar to help ease the bereaved parent through the holidays and I thought it was great. I wish I had something like this when I was newly bereaved and struggling though our first holidays without Derek. It gives some great suggestions on things to do throughout the season to memorialize our babies.

http://www.erichad.com/holidays/calendar.htm

Thanksgiving

Please be kind to yourself this Thanksgiving and Holiday Season. Don't feel you need to put on a show, or happy face for others. You are a grieving parent, allow yourself to grieve. The holidays are a difficult time when you are a bereaved parent. It's not fair, the world seems to be celebrating when you don't feel there is a reason to celebrate. Don't let others tell you what to do or how to grieve, every person is different. There is no right or wrong. Try to keep your holidays simple, especially if this is your first. First holidays can be particularly painful, try to surround yourself with those who have been supportive and helpful in your grief.  Remember your love for your child isn't any more or less on this or any day. Even though it may be hard, try to remember the most wonderful memories of your child or pregnancy. Be kind to yourself, give yourself the gift of time and patience.
I hope your Thanksgiving is peaceful, and that you can enjoy the memories of your beloved child.

http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/images/Articles/PREPARING_FOR_THANKSGIVING.pdf

http://journeyfrommourning.blogspot.com/2010/11/forgiving-thanksgiving.html

http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/images/Articles/THANKFULVERSUSTHANKLESS.pdf

http://www.bpmarion.org/HTML/HolidayHelp.htm

Local Memorial Celebration

On November 2, St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction NY, has a memorial mass. It is a wonderful mass, I went last year and am looking forward to going again this year.