Dear Fellow Mourner,

Let me start off by saying I'm sorry. Losing someone is hard enough without having the holidays to remind you of what you're missing. Living day to day in a world without someone you love is hard, but to have everyone except them gathered around, it is hard to forget their absence.

Fellow Mourner, I understand. Every Thanksgiving or Christmas, I am given the task of praying over dinner, something my mom used to do before she died. And, even though I want to go into ministry, and I like to pray, it's kind of hard sometimes. I am given this physical reminder that mom isn't there to pray, or to give presents to.

I know it can be hard to be happy, but fellow mourner, try as hard as you can to enjoy your family. Keep them close. Don't let this be a moment you let go to waste because you miss someone. The thing I always wish I had was more time with my mom, whether that be at these holiday get-togethers, or just in general, so don't let this be a time that you miss with the family you have left. If your loved one is a family member, this is hard for not only you but the whole family.

Don't hold it in; let yourself feel. Let your family know what you're going through and let them comfort you. Grieving, in general, is hard, so get through it together.

Fellow Mourner, please enjoy the holidays as much as you can. I know that your loved one would want you to be happy, just like my mom would want me to be happy.

Sincerely,

Someone who knows.

In memory of my mom and Jessica, who I mourn especially now.