Coping with special occasions

One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends Going forward Special occasions are just one part of life’s rich tapestry. Some will be joyous and others sad, but most will bring a mixture of emotions. After the death of our child, special occasions have an extra poignancy. We will yearn for what might have been. It is important to allow ourselves to handle these days in whatever way works best for us. This may change over time. We may gradually establish new traditions, incorporating precious memories of our child. It is worth recognising the additional strain that special dates now bring, and to try to be kind to ourselves. We can survive these days, difficult as they may be, and we can even sometimes welcome and celebrate them, all the while carrying the loving memory of our child with us into the future.