Mending Piece By Piece Newsletter

Coping with Grief on Thanksgiving: Practical Tips and Heartfelt Activities

Thanksgiving can be challenging for those navigating grief, but with intention and self-compassion, it’s possible to find moments of peace and connection. Here are some thoughtful ways to cope and honor your loved ones this holiday season:

• Set Boundaries with Holiday Commitments: Prioritize what feels manageable for you this year. It’s okay to say no to events or traditions that feel overwhelming, and instead focus on what brings you comfort.

• Plan ahead to fill the empty roles: After a loss, there are roles that your loved one once played in your holiday celebrations that will need to be filled. Maybe your dad always carved the Thanksgiving turkey or your grandmother always made sweet potato pie. Planning ahead to make sure that someone else will take on those roles that your loved one once filled will help the holiday flow smoother and will make it less painful.

• Create Space to Honor Loved Ones: Incorporate a meaningful moment to remember those who have passed. Light a candle at the dinner table, share a favorite story about them, or include one of their cherished recipes as part of the meal.

• Give Yourself Permission to Feel: Grief is unpredictable, and it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions, from sadness to moments of joy. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up without guilt or judgment.

• Practice Gratitude, Even in Grief: Start a simple gratitude practice by writing down one thing you’re thankful for each day, no matter how small. Reflect on positive memories with your loved one as part of this exercise—it can be a comforting way to keep their presence close.

• Create a “Thankfulness Tree”: Invite family or friends to participate in this activity. Write things you’re grateful for on paper leaves and attach them to a tree or branch. Include memories or qualities of your loved one that continue to bring you joy.

• Write a Letter to Your Loved One: Express your gratitude, share how you’re feeling, or recount the things you miss about them. This can be a cathartic way to connect with your emotions and honor their memory.

By incorporating these practices, you can navigate the complexities of grief during Thanksgiving in a meaningful and healing way. Remember, it’s okay to adjust traditions or create new ones that honor your journey and your loved one’s enduring legacy.

Looking for additional resources to assist with the grief process check out Mending Piece by Piece Workbooks & Journals. “Mending Piece by Piece After a Suicide Loss: A Workbook & Journal to Health the Survivor’s Heart” has a new cover and book layout with additional room to write in.

Mending Moment

Mending Piece By Piece Podcast

Listen to Episodes 4 & 5 today!

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Episode 4: A Journey Through Love, Loss, and Healing: Lisa Williams' Story Part 1

In this powerful episode, Lisa Williams shares her deeply moving journey through grief after the untimely loss of her husband, Ken, who passed away just six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Lisa opens up about her family's life before and after Ken's passing, from the deep connection they shared as a couple to the sudden shift from hopeful denial to devastating reality. She talks about the emotional toll of being a caregiver, the painful challenges of supporting their three children through loss, and the struggle to find her footing when much of her support system disappeared. With remarkable honesty, Lisa reflects on the faith that sustained her, the unspoken words she wished she could have shared with Ken, and the challenges she faced in seeking therapy in a tight-knit community where both she and Ken were mental health professionals. Now, eight years on, Lisa continues to rebuild her life, working to help others by sharing her experience of loss, resilience, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. This episode is an intimate exploration of a family's grief journey and a testament to the enduring strength of love.

Episode 5: Want to Understand Widowhood? Part 2 Lisa Williams Story

In this deeply moving second part of her story, Lisa Williams opens up about her journey of navigating life after losing her husband, Ken. Lisa shares the emotional challenges of widowhood, the pain of losing significant support systems, and the unexpected moments of grace that brought healing. She discusses the role of faith, the complexities of community support, and the importance of keeping her husband’s memory alive through meaningful traditions.

Lisa also offers powerful insights on the ongoing journey of grief, the importance of self-compassion, and the critical role of reaching out to those grieving—even long after their loss. This episode is both a tribute to enduring love and a guide for those walking the path of grief or supporting someone who is.

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A Note of Gratitude

As we approach Thanksgiving, a season often marked by togetherness and reflection, we at Mending Piece by Piece want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you—our readers, supporters, and community. Your courage, vulnerability, and resilience inspire us every single day.

Grief is a journey that requires incredible strength, especially during the holidays. These moments, filled with traditions and memories, can magnify the void left by those we’ve lost. Yet, amidst the pain, your willingness to share your stories, seek support, and uplift others in our community is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find connection and hope even in the darkest times.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your healing journey. Whether through reading our newsletters, listening to the podcast, or engaging in the Mending Piece by Piece community, you’ve allowed us to walk alongside you. We are deeply honored to hold space for your experiences and are committed to providing resources, support, and a sense of belonging.

This Thanksgiving, we also want to remind you to be gentle with yourself. Grief has no timeline, and it’s okay to feel both gratitude and sorrow in equal measure. Let yourself honor your loved ones in ways that feel meaningful to you, whether it’s lighting a candle, sharing a memory, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect.

From our hearts to yours, we are so thankful for you. You remind us every day that healing happens piece by piece—and together, we are stronger.