Healing Hearts for Bereaved Parents

It's taking me awhile to make it back out to post another entry and I'm sure it's because my son's birthday is coming soon. Like so many bereaved families, birthdays and the anniversary of my son's death are very difficult for me. It's while I'm thinking of this that I thought that posting something about these "special days" would be appropriate.

I have found that if I have some sort of "plan" for how I would spend the day, I am more relaxed and less anxious about the day -- in this case, my son's birthday. I usually buy a small flower arrangement plus a small Mylar balloon and take them to Daniel's grave and spend a few moments remembering his past birthdays.

As I have served and talked to grieving families, I have heard of other ways that families have made these special days easier.

1) Some have held a birthday party of sorts in their home and have lighted a candle in honor of their loved one.
2) Some have gone to the cemetery with helium balloons and tiny bits of note paper. Notes expressing how much the deceased person is loved and missed are written on the notes and tied to the balloons. The balloons are then released and watched as they float away.
3) Still others have taken relaxing vacation trips -- either to a quiet getaway or to a spot that was a favorite of their loved one.

Whatever the plan -- the best thing to do is to make sure it's what YOU need to do. Everyone grieves differently and what is right for one person is not likely to be right for another. Also, what's right for you now might not be what you need later. Just follow your heart regardless of how crazy it might seem.

Until next time.... I will leave this very special wish...

...may the Lord wrap you in His abundant love and peace and may He put caring and understanding people in your path as you continue this journey we call grief.

Love in Christ…..Pat Mankle
Healing Hearts for Bereaved Parents
www.healingheart.net