When you lose a loved one, everything about that time of year may be imprinted permanently on your memory. Around the anniversary of their funeral services, the season, the smells, and even the decorations at the grocery store can bring back memories of a difficult time and make you emotional. If you need help coping during the anniversary of your loved one’s death, here are some pieces of advice that may help you spend the date in a way that brings you comfort.

Making the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Death Special

1. Visit Their Grave

While visiting a loved one’s grave can bring up painful emotions, it’s also a special act that allows you to remember and celebrate their life. Consider clearing your schedule to take the day for yourself, then visiting a flower shop to pick up their favorite blooms. When you visit the cemetery, you can place your flowers on their grave and spend some time with them.

2. Connect with Others 

The people who attended the funeral service also cared deeply for your loved one, so consider connecting with them on this date. You may both be experiencing similar feelings, so take the time to discuss your emotions, what you remember about your loved one, and how you can honor their memory. By connecting with others, you make the healing process easier on yourself and realize that you aren’t alone in grieving.

3. Offer Acts of Service 

Think about the causes that were nearest and dearest to your loved one and try to do activities they would’ve liked. For instance, if they loved going to church, attend a service to honor their memory, or if they were always carrying a book, read one of their favorite novels. Consider what their loved ones spoke about during their funeral service, then spend the day getting to know their hobbies and interests to treasure their contribution to the world.

If you need more tools to help you cope with your grief, turn to Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT. In addition to offering complimentary grief resources, this family-owned and -operated funeral home helps with every stage of funeral service planning, including writing obituaries and creating memorial headstones. Find more information about dealing with a loss on their website, or call (203) 869-0315 to find the help you need to plan a memorial or find a grief counselor.