I have always loved the holidays and I totally support celebrating for celebrations’ sake but this time of year can be hard for people with mental illness and people without.
I’ve lost people I love this year and sometimes it feels wrong to celebrate without them. My grandmother was Christmas to me, every memory I have of Christmas has been at her house with her smiling face front and center. Her house is gone and so is she. It will be painful to have this holiday without her but I’ll be spending it with family who all feel her loss. We won’t celebrate in spite of loss, we will celebrate for her because that’s what she would have wanted. She’s been sending me lots of pennies lately and I know she is with me no matter where I go.
Feel your feelings this holiday season and don’t put on a brave face for anyone but yourself. Acknowledge your loss and revel in the world your loved ones helped create.
If you haven’t lost anyone but someone you love has, let them tell you stories and make sure to hug your people extra tight this year.
The Life of a Mourning Dove 