Stepping Stones

Note: This Thanksgiving Day post is dedicated to the memory of my dear father-in-law, John Stephen Erdie, who passed away peacefully on November 8, three days before his 86^th birthday.

By Ellen H. Brown

If you’re dealing with the recent death of a loved one, I don’t need to tell you that the holidays can be a bit emotional. There’s no denying it: someone you loved is gone. And their absence can leave a big void at the dinner table, especially on holidays like Thanksgiving. You may feel sad that they’re gone, or angry that they were “taken away,” or you may be experiencing a whole host of other feelings, depending on your relationship with that person.

I’m personally feeling a little sad today, because my beloved father-in-law, John, passed away a few weeks ago. But one of the things I’m doing to ease my pain is making a list of the things I’m thankful for about John. Because I believe that if I remember what I loved about him most, I can balance my sadness with gratitude, and the day won’t be as painful, as we gather together as a family.

So here’s what I loved most about my dear father-in-law

1. His powerful presence and naturally sweet dispositon.
2. The way he was able to warm up a room with his smile even at the end …
3. The way he played the perfect host.
4. How he always put family first.
5. His peaceful way of “being” in the world.
6. The generous, loving way he lived his life.
7. The way he always looked for the very best in everyone, and almost always found it.
8. His abundant love for animals, large and small.
9. His quirky sense of humor.
10. His pure essence of love, which will forever be with us.

I hope you’ll consider creating your own gratitude list or find your own way to honor the memory of YOUR loved one.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, what did you love most about him or her?

How can you keep his or her memory alive during the holidays and forever?

I’d love to hear what you have to say. Please join in the conversation by leaving a comment, here, on Stepping Stones (by scrolling down to the end of the post).

Are you dealing the death of a loved one? Or are you struggling with another life transition? If so, I’d love to help out. Visit my website at http://tinyurl.com/npmube to sign up for an introductory session or a coaching package that’s right for you. Since coaching sessions are conducted by phone, I can work with clients anywhere in the world.

Ellen H. Brown is a certified professional coach based in Cleveland, Ohio.