The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who have been touched by suicide. For me, the holidays are a reminder of my own dad's suicide. I will never forget the phone conversation I had with my dad the night before Thanksgiving, 2011. He wasn't himself; something just wasn't right. While a month would pass before his life ended, I often consider that night to be the turning point in his life. For a survivor of a suicide loss, the ...
More Tips to Help with Grief during the Holidays
At the last LOSS monthly meeting I attended, we discussed some tips to help with grief during the holidays. I wanted to share them with you all, as I have used many of them over the past few years. I have included them below along with my comments on what has worked best for me since losing both my mom and dad.
Openly Discuss Past Traditions
Talk things over with family and friends and make changes accordingly to the wishes of those who are ...
Getting Through the Holidays After a Loss
This will be the third Christmas since my Dad's 2011 suicide. It’s crazy to think that much time has passed since he died. He passed away in July, so the first Christmas, which was less than 5 months after, was horrible. I had so much anxiety and fear going into that holiday. I felt so alone—we were coming into the season where you’re supposed to celebrate and embrace family, and I felt like I didn’t have anyone. My Mom passed away three years ...
Fond Fourth of July Memories
Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July is a bittersweet day for me because it was one of my favorite holidays to spend with my dad growing up and is full of so many memories. Our city put on one of the best celebrations in the Midwest, which included a three-hour parade and lakefront fireworks display. Each year, we’d wake up early to head to the Main Street home of a family friend to indulge in donuts and a BBQ while watching the floats ...