Support for My Mother

S.,
You don't mention if you live close to your mother. If you do not then I would send a card to let her know that your thinking of here, praying for her during this time. If you live close enough to visit her maybe you could do something together in honor of grandmother. If there is something that grandmother really liked to do, visit a museum, go for a walk, prepare a special meal or food you could do that in honor of her memory. God Bless

Do you have any old photos/videos of your grandmother that you could present to your mom in a really beautiful frame?

Life is all about the people we get to spend it with, and that's why it's hard to have milestones that jog the memories of a loss.

The best way to commemorate the loss is to celebrate her life, in my opinion. Perpahs, if there's a special place they used to go (if it's local), you could go there, have lunch, talk about all the great things about your grandmother.

When I received a diagnosis of cancer (my children were 2 and 10 weeks), it made me think a lot about what would happen. I wanted people to smile and laugh when they thought of me. I can't think of anything nicer you can do as a daughter than to let your mom spend the day in a way that is easiest for her to cope and make it through.

My daddy passed away last summer. One of my friends gave me this wonderful book titled "Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief" by Martha Whitmore Hickman. I have bought 10 copies of it and given it to my mother, my siblings, my neighbor when her father died, my sister in law when her father died, my friend when her mother in law died, two church friends when their husband and father died. My friend called me yesterday and said she is buying the book for her father in law and her sister in law. Everyone has loved that book. It is a daily meditation and you just read one short page every day for a year and it really helps you work through it. I give it to people now instead of sending flowers or a plant.

I would begin by asking your mother about her feelings then guage if she is ready to celebrate life. Doing something fun and out of the ordinary may be what you need. A funny play, comedy show, sharing fond or best memories of your grandmother. In our family we have developed a habit of doing charity work in honor of the deceased, so for holidays like Thanksgiving we host a dinner at the church for those less fortunate or without families local and for Christmas we collect and give gifts to homeless or less priveledged or needy people. With that in mind, perhaps you and your mom could do something your grandmother would have loved for someone else. Perhaps she can record herself reading books for people. There is always some kind of special something you can do in honor of your grandmother and then perhaps your mom won't be quite so sad. Counting your blessings really helps instead of just looking at relationship lost.

Cheryl's idea is good. You could also consider making a donation to something your Grandmother liked or donated to as a memorium. You could also send a card to your mom explaining why and what you did in your grandmother's honor. Whereever you send it should acknowledge the donation to your mother but if they don't, she will know by your card. Also, they won't write a heartfelt note as it will just be a dry letter stating the obvious. All the best.

I would say a simple card and maybe a nice framed pic of your grandma. Just letting her know you are there for her is huge. You could even take her to lunch on the anniversary so she is not alone. Very sweet of you.

Here are a couple of the Willow Tree Figurines that seem fitting. I love these things. =0) You can order them online, or find them at Cracker Barrel or Hallmark stores. There's always one to fit any situation in life and I just think they are so sweet.

Remember...."Always I will remember" http://www.demdaco.com/detail.aspx?ID=11848

Keepsake...."Kept forever in the heart"
http://www.demdaco.com/detail.aspx?ID=10294