Feeling the Landmarks

July is a month of landmarks for me.  The first day of July marked 26 years since my first husband died.  July 14th marks 4 years since my second husband died.  July 16th marks my first husband and my 31st wedding anniversary.

I have to say that one of the hardest comments that people have made to me is that I'm hard on my husbands--like it is somehow my doing in having them pass away.


Coping Skills--The way I cope may not work out exactly the same for you.  We all have our own time tables with grief work and just when you think you might be sailing along fine is when a big wave can knock you off your feet.

I like to find music that speaks to me and lifts me up.  Once in a while I'll hear something that triggers memories of that loved one and it can feel quite personal to bring emotions to the surface.

The power of gratitude is a real coping skill for me.  For example, I can think about July in having three silver linings so far as I have two grandsons being born in this month and one daughter in law.

Thinking about "what I have" verses "what I don't have" really empowers me to rise above the down pull that grief carries.

Lift yourself up~