The first years are always the hardest. I thought after cringing at that notion, remembering so many death anniversaries coming up. Every year, my prayer is simple; I want to honor my family. I make a conscious choice to add a character trait of my loved one to my being. For example, my grandfather was in construction. He built beautiful houses all over Charlotte, NC. My way of keeping his memory vibrant is to create beautiful things myself.
In his honor, I’ve written poetry, maintained a peaceful home and took up photography to help me to cultivate more beauty in my life. This way I stay connected forever to those I love. During grief, we worry about forgetting the ones that we love. This technique will reignite connected-ness and hope. However, you don’t have to do what I did. Maybe your loved one loved a sport, cooking, or volunteering. When the sadness overtakes you, you can find a way to smile. Dates and numbers on a calendar, don’t have to trigger you into a negative spiral. Reflect. Honor. Most importantly, remember fondly.
—
What’s your take on what you just read? Comment below or write a response and submit to us your own point of view or reaction here at the red box, below, which links to our submissions portal.
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
Photo: Shutterstock