Hi Doug,

I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a family member. December brings the sadness of shorter daylight and the holidays always bring a new level of grief.

Your grandchild is so fortunate to have you in their life to tell them stories about their beloved grandmother. Is this the year to start an album of pictures and memories to share with them every December?
🌲🌲🎄❤️🎄🌲🌲

Hello, Doug,
I am very sorry for your loss. My sister passed away two and a half years ago from gall bladder cancer, about 7 mos after her diagnosis, so very similar to your wife. It was a devastating loss to all of us. Her husband is like a brother to me, he is 10 years older, and I was young when they married 50 years ago this past fall.
While I can’t speak for him, I know that he felt numb and lost. One thing that he did almost immediately, was join a morning coffee group at his local Starbucks. I think he literally went up there and began talking to the local morning coffee group and they invited him to join them, which has become a daily routine for him. He also joined a couple grief groups, and still meets with one of them for an occasional dinner. My sister was a librarian, and she always bought their grandkids books for the holidays. Our own grandson was turning one that first Christmas after her passing, and my BIL added him to the list, and bought him a book to keep up the tradition, which he continues to do.
I don’t know if any of this is helpful, but I saw your post and the similarities jumped out at me. My BIL, his two daughters, and their families are close to my heart. I wish you comfort at this very difficult time.

@dougmcd Along with others, I am saddened for your loss. Any time of year it is hard, and perhaps made more difficult by traditional holidays and merriment that you just don't feel like participating in. Am I correct? One of the wisest things ever told to me is there is no timeline to grief, feeling sad, and feeling like you are "stuck". It seems each person has things that will work for them, and there are some good ideas here! Take your time, and hold close those memories that had you laughing, smiling in the past. Be gentle on yourself, please.

How are things going, working with a grief counselor?

This goes for the whole family, missing Peggy in this season. Starting a new tradition that will honor something she held dear to heart might just be the ticket! What might you do?
Ginger