Hello and welcome to our group!

I am sorry for your losses.

About 30-35 years ago we lost my grandparents, and my wife's father. My MIL lives with us, and she gets teary-eyed around the anniversary of her husband's death. She lashes out a bit, and withdraws some. But we know to expect it, so we are "ready" for it. My grandparents were mostly shadows of who they were, and even then they were not very cuddly with grandkids, so their passings were not too hard for me. (My dad, on the other hand, it hit me hard when he passed 1.5 years ago.)

Knowing that the anniversaries are coming up is a huge part of it for you. Perhaps you can take some steps to focus on the positive aspects they had in your life? I know it is hard, but my wife is mostly able to do that with her father. I am getting there with my dad, but there are still times when I wish he was here to share things with us.

Gentle hugs, and again welcome to the group.

It struck me how the dates you lost your dad and grandmother, are really close, like mine are. I'm new to this type of group also, but I hope that just sharing with each other can help. I'm trying to journal everything that I can remember about them. Maybe you can try writing them letters on the anniversary. Remember, they are still a part of you life and the person you are, so it is normal to feel sad during those times.

Hi and Welcome Brittany and MJ..... I'm sorry you're hurting ... I can't remember the exact dates of any of my losses from my grandparents to my parents
I think my mind has wiped them out.... I look them up and then can't remember them
I'm hugging you and I'm glad you're here.....xo

Thank you all for the kind welcome. Yes MJ, the dates are really close. A couple years apart but when the anniversaries come the dates are close. Their birthdays are also close, grandma (july 10) and dad (july 16 or 17). These times of the year are the hardest. I didn't add that I am only 26 years old so I have been dealing with these anniversaries for almost half of my life.

I'm so sorry for your losses Brittany. I lost my father in July, so I haven't hit the 1 year anniversary yet, but yesterday was 6 months. I went to his hometown and to his favorite bowling alley that he grew up in and to a candy shop he always loved. I have found it nice to do things that remind me of him or things we did together. I also have written letters which have made me feel like he is still here as I write to him. Do you have any traditions that you could continue to do? Or maybe have a day of reminiscing and looking through old photos?