MARCH 21
Ah woe is me! Winter is come and gone,
But grief returns with the revolving year.
—PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEYAnniversaries! They continue to plague us. Each holiday,
the remembrance of what we “used to do”—the spring pic-
nics, the Easter trip, the local fireworks show on the Fourth
of July, the family gathering at Thanksgiving. And then, of
course, the private anniversaries—birthdays, wedding an-
niversaries, the anniversary of the day of death.
Sometimes we forget. And then wonder, by midafternoon,
why we are feeling so low—until we look at the calendar
and remember. The conscious mind may forget, but the
unconscious has a longer memory.
Over time it will get easier. But it’s well to be mindful of
anniversaries and realize that on some level we will remem-
ber and probably be sad.
So acknowledge—This is the day. Perhaps tell an under-
standing friend. And then—be a little kind to yourself. Per-
haps plan some diverting activity. No need to mourn all
day. Your loved one wouldn’t want that. You won’t forget.
Next year will come around...
I will be free to turn away from my grief when I can. Life is not
an endurance test.