[custom_adv] My mother’s death anniversary was this past week, October 23rd to be exact. [custom_adv] As soon as the fall weather hit, I could feel it approaching. I will forever associate the colorful leaves, cool breeze, and crisp air of Autumn with the helplessness I felt seven years ago knowing my mother could slip from life at any moment. [custom_adv] This year, as with past years, I spent time thinking about how I would cope with the day, I even started a blog post about it. But then guess what happened. [custom_adv] The day came and went, and I completely forgot about it.We obviously advocate for finding constructive ways to acknowledge and cope with tough days; although I will totally support you in ignoring them if you so choose. But we highly recommend on days like the death anniversary that you find at least small ways to honor and remember your loved one. [custom_adv] You (and others close to the loss) can decide how. There is no right or wrong way. [custom_adv] Some will want to fully feel the sadness and emotion of the day (what I like to call ‘wallowing with a purpose’), some will want to stay positive, some will want to do a quick and casual acknowledgment, and some will want to spend the entire day focused on the deceased. [custom_adv] Whatever you do, we recommend you think ahead, anticipate the hard parts, and make a plan. [custom_adv] Whatever you do, we recommend you think ahead, anticipate the hard parts, and make a plan.