This might be one of the most common questions I get from grieving mothers.
"How can I mark my child's death anniversary (or Angel Anniversary) in a meaningful way?"
The short answer is that there is no right or wrong way to mark the day. You can stay in bed with the blankets over your head if you choose to do so. However, I have found that these horrible days are a wee bit easier to handle when we make a plan.
The plan can be as big as a large gathering or as small as a lighting a candle.
Here are just a few ideas to help you create the plan that is right for you:
Release butterflies
Release ladybugs
Host a BBQ
Buy a star
Send cards to your friends and family with a special photo of your child.
Do a random act of kindness in your child's memory
Watch your child's favourite movie
Eat their favourite food
Donate to an organization that is meaningful to you.
Host a "Light up the Night" with solar lights.
Release environment-friendly balloons
Release flying wish papers with a note to your child.
Get a psychic/medium reading
Have a self-care day
Organize an honorary 5-km run
Start a scholarship
Download digital photos into Shutterfly to make a photo album
Start a non-profit
Create a PowerPoint with special photos and music
Have a Champagne toast
Sign your organ donor card
Donate blood
Volunteer at your local food bank
Purchase a naloxone kit to carry or donate
Take your child's favourite baking to work or his/her school
Order a Starbuck's coffee with your child's name so they call it out when it's ready
Have your child's T-shirts made into a quilt
Donate some of your child's clothing to an organization
Look through old photos with loved ones
Go for a hike to your child's favourite spot
Start an Angel Garden in your yard or local park
Place a bench in a meaningful spot
Plant a tree
Buy an angel ornament for your garden or Christmas tree
Take flowers to the cemetery or place them in your home with your child's urn.
Plan a candlelight or fireside memorial
Plan a trip to a special place
Spend time journaling your favourite memories together
Make a charitable donation in their name
Release some of their ashes in a special spot with friends and family.
You also have permission to do absolutely nothing. That is absolutely 100% ok.
Child loss is hard. Hopefully this list gives you a few ideas to mark this difficult and emotional day.
I have also created a list of over 85+ ways to get through your child's birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas, and all the other significant days of the year. Each holiday has mix-and-match ideas.
From my grieving heart to yours,
Lisa K. Boehm,