Over the past couple of weeks leading up to this date, I’ve thought a lot about how we grieve. There’s only one sure thing I believe I’ve learned from my personal losses, from my experience with hospice, with veterans’ awareness, and with AIDS and particularly the NAMES Quilt.
That sure thing is this: Every individual processes grief in his or her own time.
Not all ways of grieving are healthy or helpful ways, but those who grieve need compassion, not judgment.
However you choose to observe this anniversary, or if you choose not to, I wish for any of you who are reading this a day in which you feel love, know hope, hear laughter, extend courtesy, receive kindness.