I bet the trees along the river are really pretty in your area. Maybe you could go for a walk and enjoy the beauty around you. Sometimes getting outside in the fresh air helps and a walk could give you time to reflect on life or remember special memories. You could journal about your husband or make a list of things that you were thankful for in your marriage. It sounds like you took a lot of vacations to celebrate your anniversaries. I hope that Monday is a good day for you.

Cathy,
I am so sorry that Bob is not here for your special day. I am facing the 1st anniversary without my wife on the 26th of this month. I hope that you find some times of peace in the next few days and that your memories bring forth smiles instead of tears. My wife loved the changing leaves, so I might go looking for what few will remain by then to let her see them through my eyes.
Stay warm, real Iowa weather seems to be back.
tom

Cathy, I'll be thinking of you on Monday, and understanding what you are feeling. I love the story of the "just married" sign. That is the heart of our love. It was always fresh and exciting and something special to be shared. Thanks for letting us know.

I love the "just married" sign ritual! I think I would stay as busy as I could. My husband's funeral was the day before our wedding anniversary so I'm sure I will always have a hard time with that. Being outside, with friends, or family might help. Just don't stay inside at home by yourself..

Cathy,

I've heard that the anticipation of the day is usually worse than the day itself. I'm celebrating a "first" today and am finding it IS bad. Guess everyone's different.

On Monday, I will think of you and hold your hand so you can feel my empathy and perhaps let me hold some of the grief you will be feeling, for you - lighten your burden. Such pain! I know we will all make it to the other side of this grief thing but what a horrible journey. If we hang on to each other, we WILL make it up, out and across. So, hang in there, Girl... We're here...

Hugs,
Terry

Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Wow, that is such a sweet and loving memory of your husband always displaying the "Just Married" sign whenever you two headed out on vacation. I found that the days before what would have been our 14th wedding anniversary (7/19/12) were extremely difficult and sad. It helped bring me comfort to make plans for the actual day. I was fortunate in that I was able to go back to the gazebo on the beach where we got married 14 years ago. I spent about an hour there taking pictures and remembering the happiness and love we shared on that day. It brought me incredible peace and much needed healing too. May the loving memories you have shared today comfort and carry you through on Monday, 10/8. Will keep you in my thoughts. Hugs, Stephanie

Thank you all

The firsts are difficult. I hope whatever you do makes you feel a bit better. On my first anniversary of the first, which is May 11th and was mother's day the year we got married, my son took me out to lunch just him and myself and we reminisced about dad. I appreciated and enjoyed being with my son and how he was trying to step in and be brave for me, but inside I remember being so so sad. The first of first of my Robert' s passing we went to the mausoleum and let balloons go up in the air as we said a silent prayer. Initially I visited the mausoleum very often. I still go there, but not as often because I know I can feel being close to Robert anywhere. It is still tough after three and a half years. I still mis him terribly and wish I could tell him so many things and have him still be enjoying some of life's joys as I am. So difficult to be without our loved ones.

Dear Cathy,

I so appreciate your reaching out to me with that wonderful hug.
You will be on my mind an in a special prayer 10/8. I am hoping that the decision you make in observing your anniversary brings deep remembrance of all the good that you knew with your husband......

I am getting ready to write an email to my son who is turning 24 tomorrow...not really long from now....as he was born on our 5th anniversary......it will be about love and I hope the right words come to me.......

I wish you peace, comfort, love.....

I am worried about our upcoming day as well. I have three boys you thank God where able to spend their birthday with their dad this year. But next month will mark my birthday and our anniversary back to back. This has always been an amazing time for us, but not so sure this year. My husband had a P.E. on Sept 4 and died on Sept 12--so it was very sudden and unexpected.

I will be praying for you today and I am sure you will find a special way to honor the date.