It felt like there was a hole in my heart.
I was waking up on a National family day without my family. I can honestly say it was one of the hardest days after my divorce. It was my first Thanksgiving without my kids.
Are you missing a loved one this Thanksgiving?
Perhaps your child is serving in the military and deployed this Holiday season. Maybe like me, the reality of sharing the time with your kids at Holidays is too much to bear. Or maybe this is your first Holiday since a loved one has passed, and you deeply miss them. If this describes you, let me first say that I am so sorry.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard, but Holidays without your loved one is the hardest.
Since Holidays have a way of magnifying our grief, let me encourage you by sharing some things that helped me during my grief.
Give yourself lots of grace if you are missing someone special this Thanksgiving.
Ask God for strength and energy to get through the day. Invite friends to pray for you too.
Surround yourself with people who care and can empathize with you. This could be your family, friends, or your small group at church.
Be honest with how you are feeling and let others know what you need. Journal how you are feeling if that helps!
Talk about the loved one you are missing. Let yourself cry if needed; I remember shedding lots of tears.
Don’t put any expectations on yourself to do the same traditions you have done in the past if it is too much for you.
Guard your heart by taking a social media break. Social Media makes you think that everyone has it all together, and you are the only one whose life has been shattered.
Fill your mind with truth by listening to worship music or reading a helpful book.
Please don’t rush your grief. Don’t worry about anyone else’s expectations. You set your pace for the day.
And most importantly, remember that “It is okay not to be okay.”
I know how hard it is to miss a loved one this Holiday so I will be praying for you as God helps you get through this day. Sending you a big hug!
Love, Jodi
