Plan Ahead
Resuming normal activities can be
difficult when the rest of the world continues on as it did before.
Things that seemed important previously no longer are, and one often
feels that they just don't fit in.
| Be prepared for an emotional wallop, and know
that it’s completely normal. Plan ways to take care of yourself. For example, one survivor we know made sure that she always took her own car to events such as dinner parties, parking at a spot of easy exit just in case she wanted to leave early. Anniversaries, holidays and milestones can be particularly challenging. Do not feel that you have to do things the way you have always done them. If you are sharing a holiday or event with other relatives, talk to them ahead of time about their expectations and agree on strategies to honor the deceased. Many survivors create new traditions at holidays. For example: One father cuts a branch off his Christmas tree each year and places it on his son's grave so that they can share the holiday. Another family sets a place for their departed son at the Thanksgiving table, and places a burning candle on the plate. |  |