Athena, my symapthies to you. The first anniversaries and holdiays without those loved ones are tough. Don't pretend the holiday doesn't exist though. Make your mom live through your memories. You'll cry, you'll laugh but I'll gurantee you will feel her all around you and your family. Ignoring the holiday or dismissing your family traditions won't make it hurt less.
I'm one of those " fairy tale" believers that a few posters here talk about. I definitely believe in a God and a heaven and I think the souls of those who go on before us hover over us and want to be part of our lives still. My dad and I were very close and each time I do a project around the house, go golfing, watch a football game with my kids, I feel him right there with me.
That's probably silly to some and that's okay by me. I'd rather believe and hope there's a chance I'll see my loved ones again than just forget they were here.
Good luck to you. It will be tough but believe me you mother will be most honored if you go on with your normal life. She lives in you and yours and that kind of legacy is the best thing a parent can hope to do.
God bless you and your family. You'll make it. I promise.
on November 30, 2010, 4:48 pm, in reply to "