Challenge,  Family,  Gratitude,  Healthy Living,  Journaling,  Relationships

Day 30: Thankful for Those Who Have Passed On


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Originally published November 30, 2019. Updated on November 30, 2022.


Just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for taking a daily break with us to focus on thankful thoughts and grateful gestures for the last 30 days.

On our last day of the 30 Days Thankful Challenge, we’ll be giving thanks for those dear family members and friends who are no longer with us.

family

The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have said goodbye to a loved one too soon.

As you make plans and get preparations underway, you may feel a twinge of sadness now and then at the loss of loved ones who have shared Thanksgivings past.

Yes, you may think back to the holidays of your youth, when special faces graced your holiday table, and the laughter of loved ones resounded through the sanctuary of your childhood home or the home of a dear relative.

How to honor these special folks? One way is by keeping their memory alive.

Your children may not remember Great Grandma, or maybe they never had the good fortune to meet her.

Even so, it would mean a great deal to someone like your mother, to have her own grandma’s memory celebrated at the next family occasion.

Day 30 JOURNAL EXERCISE: Celebrate the living while honoring those who have passed.

family

Do you still have your parents? Count yourself fortunate indeed. Many people have had to say goodbye too soon to their loving mom, dad or both.

And yet, remember to honor the living even as you mourn the passing of those who have departed.

What are some ways you might honor the memory of relatives who have passed on?

Share a special memory of one particular person who has passed, around the Thanksgiving table.

Did this special friend or relative once send you a gift to cherish? Maybe you still have the gift stowed away as a keepsake.

Why not bring out the special item, and talk about how it made you feel to receive it from that special person? Maybe put it on display for a bit, to be reminded of this person throughout the holiday season.

Old cards are another nice way to remember those who have passed on. Perhaps you have a collection of cards to share at the Thanksgiving table which can help the younger generation catch a glimpse into holidays past.

Another commemorative gesture: discuss the special talents and traits of those who have passed on. Perhaps certain gifts, like artistic ability, musical talent or a personality trait, like extreme stubbornness or a signature sense of humor, have managed to carry on to the youngest generation.

Talk about who got which gifts from whom in the family. Share funny or meaningful stories that relate to these talents and traits.

Finally, a special photo album or scrapbook makes a wonderful way to preserve memories of deceased family members or friends.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have successfully completed the 30 Days Thankful Challenge. Give yourself a great big pat on the back and a warm little hug of congratulations. We’re so proud of your accomplishment!

Now head out into the world newly optimistic, ever grateful, and ready to embrace whatever blessings life sends your way!



 



Loving Life — The Reboot!

Dominique

Day 30: Thankful for Those Who Have Passed On

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