Grieving during the holidays sucks. I'll never "be over it" as some people like to say. I will grieve again and again for Molly. My grief has changed how we celebrate holidays, but at the same time having Jack is also changing how we celebrate. I don't know what's ahead, but no matter what my message is the same - celebrate the holidays how you want.

Key Takeaways:

[4:40] Not feeling excited about anything anymore

[6:13] The non-profit Compassionate Friends

[11:15] Going through the stages of grief over and over again

[16:45] I'm never letting go of my feelings of Pain over losing Molly

[18:02] Grief takes time

[18:46] I think using things like alcohol or drugs can sometimes be necessary

[20:39] The different ways you can grieve

[21:44] Not celebrating the holidays

[23:18] How my grief has impacted Jack

[24:17] The anticipation of grief is the worst part

[24:48] Acknowledge your pain, take charge of life, and think positively and realistically

[27:42] Be patient and kind with others

[28:45] Strategies to help cope with grief

[30:00] Keeping holiday traditions, changing them, and new ones

[31:23] Siblings always get thought of last in grief

[34:59] Do what you want for the holidays

Resources:

• Compassionate Friends

• Coping with Grief During the Holidays

• Sixth Stage of Grief

• Friends of Aine

• Camp Erin

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