The D Day

3 days short of the 6 month mark.  Before my partner died, I hadn't lost anyone close to me.  Yes, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and I was sad but nothing compares to this of course.  I wouldn't say I am close-minded but could never figure out why I kept seeing people mark their loved one's date of death on the anniversary.  I always said, I would never want to remember that date - why do people do that?  I finally get it.  It is engraved in your brain like it was branded there with iron - you don't want to remember that day but it is impossible to forget.  And for me, it is about marking the days of my own survival rather than remembering the date of loss.