1 year anniversary

[Pumpkinslice]

I lost my dad last year and it's approaching the first anniversary of his death. I have taken the day off as I didn't want to be working then. I am doing ok but it's been a hard year and I miss him a lot, still doesn't feel like he's gone forever now.

Just wondering what others have done on a first anniversary of a death? I don't know if I'll do anything, might take DM out for lunch or something. I had all these ideas for doing stuff for charity to honour my dad after he died and haven't done anything, perhaps it's too early yet, still coming to terms with things. Still feeling quite lost and also dealing with DM who relies on me quite a bit and can be difficult at times. Thanks

Hi, I am going through the same thoughts as you too. It will be 7 weeks today that my lovely Mum passed away and I have been having the same thoughts. We still have Mum's ashes and despite me suggesting to my Dad that we arrange an internment and a memorial it has not gone any further so we have nowhere to go to sit or lay flowers. I cope most days but do find it hard supporting him on top of processing it all. Actually can't believe that it will be a year without her, still feels very much unreal.

Sorry I should have wrote that it will be a year in 7 weeks today.

Hi OP. I am now 1 year 5 months on from my beloved gran’s death. She was my world and I have had such a difficult time since she died. So sorry for your loss. I hope you have kind people supporting you.

The day of her anniversary was both beautiful and painful. Painful as none of the family sent me a message. That is a story in itself. Beautiful because my mum and I were supported by our chosen families (as well as each other). She had a good day at work with her colleagues. They all made her feel welcome, had a great day as a team. I was off work that day as it was Good Friday. One of my closest friends where I live is a vicar (she actually took gran’s funeral). She asked her colleague to take the Good Friday mass so she could sit with me down in the pews. We then went into the little side chapel, lit a candle, looked at photos of her, hugged, cried and then she led some prayers on my behalf. I looked at the candle and said ‘Happy Easter Gran. Don’t worry, I’m with family’.

I will never forget it.

Sorry to hear this OP. It's a rotten time.

For dad's first anniversary I booked me and mum and my 2 DS into a lovely seaside hotel for 3 nights. We had fun on the beach, nice meals out. What was a horrible memory was replaced with a positive one. We played dad's music and talked about him loads. It's a tradition we've kept up for 4 years now.

Thanks everyone and sorry you are going through this too. I'm sorry that you've experienced no compassion from some family members too, a lifelong friend has abandoned me which stings but my family are supportive as are other friends.

A few nights away sounds good as does playing his favourite music. Mum still has dad's ashes in the house and I doubt she'll do anything with them. We had a memorial service after he was cremated though. Maybe we could plant a tree or something hmm.