i'm so sorry for your loss. its a very hard thing to deal with.

i love this idea. write him a letter about all the things going on in your life right now, include little bits of news that you know would have made him smile, and then allow yourself to remember the times you had together.
then go out with your bf, have a good laugh and a cry and allow yourself to grieve for your father.

i hope its not too difficult for you.

Thanks everyone

So sorry about your loss.

I have somewhat of the same idea as Pita. Except, attach helium balloons to it (go somewhere quiet, maybe a lake)....and let the letter reach your daddy in heaven....

How very sweet, Rena, thank you

I read the thread with interest because that anniversary day for my mom has been difficult so far (was 2 years in May). Last year my dad, brother and I were together. This year my brother went out of town so I spent the morning with Dad and then had told him ahead of time that I wanted the afternoon for myself. I plan to take the day off work always. It was not so terribly emotional for me (I get upset at weird times and the 'obvious' times seem to go pretty uneventful anymore ) but I did go out and took a nice long walk in nature and thought about her and tried to remember more than just her illness. It worked out ok. My grief therapist suggested nature so that is why I did that.

The other suggestions all sound good too. The thing I really decided this year was not to try too hard to do 'something'. I really struggle with thinking I have to honor her or do something 'just right' and the thing I've learned about grieving is there is only 'just right' for me and for the moment and what is 'just right' for the others in my life isn't the same. If 'just right' for you is a good cry, I don't think you need to try to do a single thing differently.

Hugs and congratulations on your new screen name...I LOVE IT!

Peg

Thank you so much, Peg

I did write my daddy a letter about all the new changes in my life and I got his favorite movie - Cat Ballou - and plan on watching it tonight in his memory.

Michelle. I'm sorry for what you are going through. The anniversary of my Dad's death was not long ago, so I can relate.

Everyone has had some good suggestions for you. For me, I always end up just thinking about him and little things he would do or say, then I usually have a little laugh and a cry.

Thinking about my Dad also helps remind me of my goals, because I know that he would be happy for me that I am working towards my goal of good health and living life more fully.

Whatever you decide to do, take that little bit of time to think of him and all he was to you. Cry if you need to let it out. And remember how far you have come with your journey and how proud of you he would be.

Thank you so much, Christina

Hey MEESH, sorry I am just getting here...computer issues and busy week-end.

great on the movie!

My dad passed away almost 20 years ago....not a Dodger game or Raider game goes by w/o a memory of him...or seeing a Little league game, Harley Davidson, etc.

My mom passed away almost 2 years ago. We celebrate by having all of our family over and I make Grandma Judi's chili....for those that wish, we share a memory of any loved one that has passed on...from my brother/dad/mom/grandparents/etc.

We make it a fun day with games, puzzles, football/basketball and shuffleboard.

Prayers for you!

There is something to be said about celebrating his life through doing something that used to bring you and him great joy...



Kira

Thanks so much EZ and Kira

hey sweetie...my dad passed in Jan 2006. It still hurts alot. He doesn't have a grave, and I wouldn't want to visit it if he did. Instead, I let myself deal with the grief on the day he died. I celebrate my dad's birthday every year. we even have cake in his honor. And I planted a tree in his honor. It starts blooming in August which is when he was born. August 23rd.

I know how much it hurts I'm sorry for your loss too. HUGS.

Thank you, Jennifer (I was just wondering where you had been! Glad to see a post from you )

I went on vacation. It was great, but now I'm afraid I totally set myself back!