OK vipers. I really need your help. How to mark the anniversary of a dear man's suicide?

[colouringinpro]

My lovely sister-in-law, and my exh lost their husband, brother, to suicide nearly a year ago. It was horrendously tragic.

My sil is still devastated. She's now facing lots of "what are you doing for his anniversary?" questions and is just not able to think or decide what, if anything she should do.

I have offered to stay and make her many drinks, but I know that's not ideal...

What do you wonderful women think?

I think you should go over, you should all have some beverages and tell stories about the wonderful, the not so wonderful, the funny, the silly and the tragic memories. Then light a candle and wish each other well in your journey forward without him.

I think a get together sounds lovely - anniversaries can be such a lonely time. Can everyone gather photos they have of him or write something in a book. Maybe a favourite memory or first time they met.

May not want to look at it that night but might offer comfort in days after.

A friend had a party in memory of her brother with theme that he loved. Music of that era was played and people made a real effort to dress up. It was very much a celebration but know that might not be suitable

That's so sad. From personal experience when I lost my dd in tragic circumstances, I really couldn't face the 1st anniversary. I stayed in bed. My family went to the cemetery with flowers.
I went to the cemetery alone at 2am, God known why!
First anniversaries are hard. I would go along with what your sil wants.

Thanks so much for replying.

My sil did organise a celebration of life event two months after his death which had close family and friends and photos etc.

I am wondering if Parkhead's (so sorry to hear about your dd) experience may be closer to where my sil is in her grief. Possibly a meal in with a couple/few immediate family members in the evening.

Will absolutely go with my sil wishes, she's struggling so much I think just suggesting say three gentle approaches would be helpful.