When Anniversary Dates Return

A Personal Reflection

This weekend marks another anniversary of my brother Jeff’s death.

Thirty-two years.

Even after all this time, anniversary dates have a way of slowing me down. Some years, I notice my heart becoming a little heavier before I even realize why. Other years, I find myself smiling at a memory one moment and unexpectedly wiping away tears the next.

I've learned that grief has a remarkable way of remembering.

Sometimes our minds know the date before we consciously do. Our bodies may feel more anxious, our emotions may be closer to the surface, or we may simply feel "off" without understanding why.

If you've experienced this, please know you are not alone.

Anniversary dates aren't just reminders of how someone died—they're reminders of how deeply we loved. They reflect the life that was shared, the memories that were created, and the space that person continues to hold in our hearts.

After losing both of my brothers, I've come to understand that love doesn't disappear with time. Grief changes, but our connection remains.

Why Anniversary Dates Can Feel So Difficult

Anniversary dates often stir emotions because they reconnect us to significant moments in our lives. Our minds and bodies remember experiences, even years later. It's not unusual to notice increased sadness, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or even physical exhaustion as an important date approaches.

For some, the days leading up to the anniversary are actually harder than the day itself. For others, the day passes more gently than expected.

There is no right or wrong way to experience these dates.

If you have an anniversary approaching, consider giving yourself permission to:

• Plan ahead if you know the day may be difficult.

• Simplify your schedule and lower expectations.

• Reach out to someone who understands your grief.

• Spend time in nature, journal, pray, or practice quiet reflection.

• Honor your loved one in whatever way feels meaningful to you.

Most importantly, remember that you don't have to grieve a certain way. There is no "correct" way to remember someone you love.

Ready for More Support?

If you've been looking for compassionate guidance beyond YouTube videos and newsletters, I'm excited to share that Mending Piece by Piece™: An Online Grief Course is now available.

This self-paced course was created from more than 30 years of professional experience, my own personal journey through profound loss, and countless conversations with grieving individuals and families.

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• Understanding how grief affects the mind, body, and nervous system

• Why grief looks different for everyone

• Navigating difficult emotions like guilt, anger, anxiety, and loneliness

• Healthy coping strategies and grounding techniques

• Journaling and reflection exercises

• Continuing bonds and honoring your loved one's memory

• Finding meaning while carrying grief forward

• Downloadable workbook pages and practical tools you can revisit whenever you need them

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Mending Moment

Save the Date

25th Annual Candlelight Vigil Remembering Those Lost to Suicide 🕯

This year marks the 25th Annual Candlelight Vigil Remembering Those Lost to Suicide.

When this vigil first began 25 years ago, conversations surrounding suicide loss were much quieter than they are today. There were very few public spaces in our area where survivors could gather, remember loved ones, speak their names out loud, or grieve together without shame or silence.

What began with only a handful of people standing together in remembrance became one of the first suicide memorial vigils in the tristate area.

Today, there are many walks, vigils, remembrance events, and conversations surrounding mental health and suicide prevention throughout our communities—and honestly, that is something beautiful to witness.

It reminds me how deeply people needed connection, acknowledgment, and support all along.

Through heartbreak, healing, tears, stories, candles, and remembrance…we are still here. 💜

Please save the date:

25th Annual Candlelight Vigil Remembering Those Lost to Suicide

📅 September 10
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Rose Tree Park Gazebo
(Media, PA)

More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

💜 Until Next Time

As I remember Jeff this weekend, I'm reminded that love doesn't end because someone dies.

We carry those we love forward: in our stories, our traditions, our laughter, the lessons they taught us, and sometimes even in our tears.

However you're approaching an anniversary this year, I hope you'll offer yourself the same compassion you would give someone you love.

There is no right way to remember.

There is only your way.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your healing journey.

Until next time…

Continue mending, piece by piece - one step at a time.

Continue Your Healing Journey

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