plate of shrimp fried rice. Now, in her memory, I find it comforting to dine there as well.
Inject the inevitable materialism of the season with some meaning. Taking your loved ones to your late mom’s favorite restaurant for a holiday meal, and ordering the most decadent dessert for the table can be a great way to rework the sad narrative into a more joyful one.
2. Start Your Own Traditions
Your parents probably came up with most of those magical traditions you loved while growing up. By keeping this in mind, you might embrace the opportunity to come up with something creative and quirky that your loved ones will remember as nothing but pure magic.
For instance, my youngest sister forced us to go ice-skating last year a few weeks before our mom passed. I thought it was a nuisance then. Now, I realize it was the unknowing start to a wonderful new tradition that will repurpose the meaning of the holidays for us.
3. Do what you need to do
Now, you can read all the advice you want and you can talk to all the grief counselors you want, but at the end of the day, this is about you and YOUR healing. So whatever that healing looks like for you–then do it. As long it doesn’t hurt or scare those around you, do it for you. Healing is one of the most personal things we can do for ourselves as a human being. Even though it can be hard for people to understand sometimes, do what’s best for your heart.
Rest well, Ms. Cole. We love you and your son.