60th birthday ideas but complicated by a close bereavement

[MercedesDeMonteChristo]

It is my DMs birthday soon and she will be 60. I had some loose plans to celebrate but earlier this year my brother passed away and it has understandably been very tough. I would still like to do something nice for her, but I am not sure what, his absence is going to be felt keenly. My original plan had been to rent a cottage somewhere and all go away, have a chef etc. She does so much and it has been an awful year but I am not sure how to play it, my dad can't help as he thinks nothing is worth doing.

Some ideas I thought were to take her for a personal shopping trip and a nice lunch just the two of us, or go for a little weekend away to visit one of her sisters and invite another one of her sisters, or just a family meal someone nice but with no fanfare.

Honestly, I'd ask her, no surprise as it might all be too much, tell her a few ideas that you have thought of, but don't be upset if she isn't up to any of them. The 'firsts' are so hard and until they happen no one has any idea of how it will be. I'm still floored and surprised by my reactions and I'm some years down the line from the death of my son. for you as well

I am sorry for your loss Sowingbees. I think you are right, I should ask her.