Honor Lost Loved Ones (NAPSA)—For many people, certain times of the year are most likely to bring lost loved ones to mind. Perhaps it is Mother’s Day, a birthday or the holiday season that’s difficult for you. Either way, holidays can be rough for those grieving for a loved one who has recently passed, and, for some, the pain of losing someone who has been gone for a long time can be equally troubling. According to David Kessler, grief and loss specialist and coauthor of “On Grief and Grieving” with legendary Elisabeth Kubler- Ross, there is no correct way or amount of time to grieve. “Every individual’s experience is unique. It’s important to find positive ways to remember and honor those we haveloved andlost. those we have loved andlost and to know that there are no deadlines for mourning theloss of a friend or loved one,” he explained. Kessler offers the following suggestionsto help with the griev- realized only when you express your feelings. At Web sites such e Know that sadness is allowed. Be gentle with yourself andprotect yourself. Don’t do anything that does not serve your soul and yourloss. e Review your traditions. Know that it’s okay to make changes and do things differently than you might have done in the past. Grief provides the opportunity to release traditions that may have lost their meaning when a loved one passed away. Take some time to make the holidays personal again. e Externalize your grief. Pain and sadness can be fully created, the tribute will be some- It is important to memorialize ing process: as Tributes.com, you can create a tribute to a loved one lost and share your favorite photos, videos, memories and other arti- facts of their treasured life. Once thing you can come back to on particularly difficult days to remember, to share your thoughts and to read the memories others haveleft. e Have a “Plan A” and a “Plan B.” Give yourself a chance to go out and have fun. Have a Plan B set up in case you are feeling sad and want to leave. You will be more likely to stay out with friends, just knowing you have a fallback plan. To share your memories of a loved one lost or to find grieving support, visit www.Tributes.com. wee een ne nee eee nee ee eeeOe eee eee eee eee nn eee eee Editor’s Note: For additional photos, please contact Colleen DeVine at cdevine@garfieldgroup.com or 215-867-8600, ext. 269.
