Tapestry Weaving: Loss, Grief, and the Holidays

Just after Halloween there is the celebration of All Saints Day, also known as All Souls Day. And in some Mexican traditions there is the celebration of Dia de Las Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.
 
Especially during this pandemic time, it struck me how in America we seem to start our holiday season with holidays celebrating and remembering those souls who have passed on.
 
For those of us who have lost a loved one, this time of year is rather poignant in our journey with grief. Grief, in general, is an isolating experience.  Yet the holidays tend to focus on connecting loved ones.
 
Remember Love does not end with death,  and those of us left here to grieve will continue to weave the tapestry of our lives.
 
The holidays give us an opportunity to change what we weave in our tapestry from this time forward.
 
During this time, remember to give your grief some dedicated time. This could be in the form of being in nature, taking a walk, or writing a letter to your loved one to archive in a book of memories. And don’t forget to bring your loved one into the holiday gatherings through storytelling and noticing how those around you carry on the legacy of the loved one no longer there.
 
Over time you will notice that you will feel more Love than pain. The coming holiday season is just one season in the many seasons of our lives. And losing your loved one was one of the hardest seasons you endured.
 
Give the holidays a chance to heal you. And whomever you choose to share this time with – allow that community to gift you with their support and love.
 
Thank you to David Kessler for this inspiration.

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