To my grieving friends on this Thanksgiving Day. 

I wish I could pull up a chair beside you and sit with you in person. To give you a look of understanding when someone you love says a hurtful thing or squeeze your hand under the table to remind you that you aren’t alone. Or cover for you when you need to hide away for a bit. To tangibly remind you that you're not alone.

Even if I can’t be there with you in person, I want you to know that you are loved today and not alone. I thought you might need to hear from someone who understands first hand how hard today really is, so I wrote you a short letter and wanted to read it to you.

today is hard. And that’s ok. 

I know how seemingly impossible it feels to be thankful and how the idea of celebrating feels like a contradiction and how maybe the only emotion you are experiencing is rage. 

And I know how all of that makes you feel guilty and full of shame.

This is me, a mama who has been there, telling you it is hard. Holidays are hard. And feeling grateful when your heart is broken and your arms are empty -- when a life is missing -- is really, really hard.

WE LOVE LAURELBOX: GIFTS FOR GRIEVING HEARTS

This episode is sponsored by Laurelbox. We love Laurelbox for the beautiful and tangible ways they help us as grieving moms to honor and celebrate our babies this holiday season. Laurelbox has the most beautiful personalized candles and ornaments– the perfect addition to your holiday season. It’s simple while being intentional, thoughtful and as I said, beautiful. Check out our favorites by heading to themorning.com/laurelbox. 

 

FREE NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAY RESOURCES: www.themorning.com/holidays

1. Download the Free Navigating the Holidays Workbook & Resource Bundle 
2. Join us for a Christmas Devotional Book Club for December (Get the devotional here.)
3. Our Christmas Gift Guides for Grieving Moms
4. Get your Christmas Apparel (Back in the shop!)

> www.themorning.com/holidays

 

FREE ONLINE SUPPORT COMMUNITYA place away from social media where you can find support and care from women who are just like you. Women navigating the day to day ups and downs of grief. A place where you can feel not alone in this. Come join us: themorning.com/community

 

FREE GRIEF GUIDE

Our best and most helpful resources for navigating grief and life after loss all in one place. Plus a list of our favorite books for children about grief and loss. Download Here.

 

FREE GUIDE: IF YOU LOVE A GRIEVING MOMAnd if you love a grieving mom, we have something for you too, a free guide with simple tips for how to love a grieving friend: themorning.com/friendsandfamily.

 

RATE, REVIEW &  FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTSIf you love The Joyful Mourning Podcast, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps moms who are grieving to find us a little easier and get that support they need. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know how this episode helped you.