Getting Through the Holidays

This is from Maureen Hunter.  She has the web site Esdeer.com.  I find it to be a wonderful, down to earth grief resource, written by someone who has been through it.

One day at a time,
Penelope
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We're just about to hit December and I know for the last few years I just wanted to close my eyes and wake up in January.

For myself (Maureen) early December is the anniversary date of my son's death, something that to date has always tinged my Christmas with a forever sadness. It comes beside all the festivities in the shops and the bombardment of adverts on the TV and in the letter box. It has taken me a long time to look forward to a time of year that changed our lives forever so suddenly, but it's happened. Last year I noticed a shift and this year much more so.

So for our 6th Christmas this year there will be a proper tree once more. There will be more decorations, there will be joyful anticipation and happy moments. Of course they will sit themselves, as they always do at such times, around the missing and sadness of the physical absence of someone who has our heart always. And amidst all of that we will do what we always do, find ways to honour and remember our beloved Stuart on the day.

 

It has taken me much to get to this place and it has not been easy.

 

Today I'd like to share a series of short videos I recorded last year about the holidays and what we can do to get through such a difficult time. If you haven't seen them already I hope they help you in some small way.

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I am posting the videos below along with the links in case you are unable to view them here.

 

Video 1: Knowing what to Expect

Link: http://esdeer.com/video-1-getting-through-the-holidays/

 

 

Video 2:  Getting back to Basics

Link:  http://esdeer.com/video-2-getting-through-the-holidays/ 

 

Video 3: What are Your Non-Negotiables this Year?

Link: http://esdeer.com/video-3-getting-through-the-holidays/

 

Video 4: New Traditions

Link: http://esdeer.com/video-4-getting-through-the-holidays/

 

  

 

Video 5: Remembering with Love

Link: http://esdeer.com/video-5-getting-through-the-holidays/

They will remain forever

a part of your heart and soul

. 

No matter where you are 

and what you do ~ there they are.  

Connected always 

by the invisible threads of love in your heart 

and by their invisible presence in your soul ♥

- Esdeer.com

Be Gentle on Yourself

This is a quote from the site Esdeer.com:

Sometimes we want to rush through our grief, get it out the way and over so we can get back to our real selves again. It's how we often have coped with life, being in control and in charge. Getting things done. It can take some reshuffling in our heads and hearts to realise there is no a-z formula for grieving and no going back to who we were. Everything is different now. So be very gentle on you as you come gradually to this knowing ♥

- Esdeer.com

One day at a time,
Penelope