What are some practical suggestions that I can put into action?

• Bring your child into the new year with you –

  Continue to share photos and stories of the memories you made together while your child was alive.

  Host a memorial party on their birthday.

  Say their name often and share their story!

• Create opportunities of remembrance –

  Let your child’s life bless those around you by creating a scholarship fund or making a donation in their name.

  Plant something beautiful and living in honor of their life, such as a tree or a memorial garden.

  Participate in a marathon with family and friends and print t-shirts with your child’s photo and name.

• Connect with others who make you feel loved and supported –

  Find the people who love to hear stories of your son or daughter and visit with them often.

  Be a good listener for a fellow bereaved parent and meet for regular coffee/tea dates.

  Sometimes it can be easier talking to a stranger or a new friend than it can be talking to someone close to you ~ reach out and connect with others who understand.

• Surprise someone with a thoughtful gift in honor of your child –

  Pay for someone else’s child to get a haircut at your child’s favorite salon.

  Buy someone else’s birthday cake on your child’s birthday.

  Share one of your child’s well-loved toys with someone else’s child.

• Trust where your child is now –

  Choose a beautiful way of framing where your son or daughter is now, being held by a Heavenly Father or peacefully resting free of pain and worry.

  Embrace your faith.

• Choose not to limit yourself because of your grief –

  Anxiety or sadness doesn’t necessarily mean that you are not capable or able.

  Choose to keep moving forward on the good days and rest on the tough days.

  One day you will find that you are able to laugh again, to plan again, and to hope and anticipate the days ahead of you.

• Release control –

  Sometimes releasing yourself from having to control the outcome of every situation can be incredibly freeing.

  Often, it can lead to new healing experiences and support.

  Don’t be afraid to take a day and just go with the flow, seeing where it takes you ~ you could be pleasantly surprised by the outcome!

• Create a Book of Truths –

  On good days, gather photos, letters from family or friends, scripture, articles, poetry, and lists of the memories and things that you know to be true in your life that are positive and uplifting.

  Having items in place to look over on difficult days can help you to regain your perspective when you are feeling down.

• Find meaning and purpose in everyday life –

  Go places and experience things in honor of your loved one.

  Do the things that you or they have always wanted to do and live a full and good life for them.

  It can sometimes be easier to do something in the memory of someone we love than it can be to do the same things for our own self.

  Make it a priority to honor your child with your own life.

  Finding purpose and meaning in everyday moments doesn’t have to be huge things; small meaningful actions can mean just as much!