May Love Be What You Remember Most

​Coping with the death of someone we love is one of the most challenging circumstances any of us will ever experience. Although grieving is a normal and natural process, managing the swirl of emotions and the new reality of life without a loved one can be overwhelming.

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and grief is the form love takes when someone close has died. The media focus on this day with the advertisements, gifts, candy and cards can evoke painful feelings of longing, yearning and sadness.

Grief, like love is complex and unpredictable. And like love, grief is unique and universal. It’s a common human experience that we all share. For some, Valentine’s Day is bittersweet reminder of the love they shared with the person who died.  But for some, Valentine’s Day can be a big trigger.  

What can help?
• Think ahead. Recognize that this day could be difficult especially if you have had a partner or spouse die. Give yourself permission to grieve and feeling those difficult emotions.
• You may want to go to the cemetery or a location that was significant to you and your loved one. You may want to write him or her a letter or card. Take the time to honor the love you shared.
• Reframe how you think about the day. Valentine’s day is so often associated with romantic love. But there are other kinds of love - love for pets, love for family and friends, and love for the planet. Spend the day at an animal shelter, plan an activity with your children or take a nature walk. 
• Avoid social media and do something restorative. Self-care such as yoga, journaling, pedicures is part of healthy grieving.

Many people find hope and healing by attending a grief support group. Speaking with others who have experienced a similar death and hearing their stories in a safe, nonjudgmental environment provides the reassurance of knowing we are not alone.

Please remember that we are here with comfort, hope and healing. We offer a variety of support groups that are open to anyone in the community who has experienced a death whether or not their loved one received hospice care. There is no cost to attend.