It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years this week since my best friend/ mom, Beazy’s sudden death. She and her handsome new husband Herb, (aka Herbie the Love Bug) were living their best life nestled in the beautiful NC Blue Ridge Mountains.

Nobody could have ever guessed their happily ever after would end so suddenly. 

In the days and weeks that followed the shock of our lifetime- my brothers,  sisters and I scrambled to figure ways to make the holiday season feel a little less devastating. What would Beazy do? 

She would:

make a plan and gather with her closest people.

turn up the music and cook up all things pumpkin spice.

dress all the small people in her hand-smocked holiday dresses and smocked jumpsuits superhero outfits for the little boys. 

open her home to anyone who didn’t have family in town.

remind us of her signature statement, “there’s no problem with Beazy.” 

make sure the people she loved most knew it. Every single day.  

How about You? 

If you’re missing someone right now, you might be wondering what the holidays will look like. I want to remind you that You are Not Alone! Consider gathering with your closest people to share funny memories, music and a meal that reminds you of them. Nothing fancy, just a time and space to celebrate someone who is much too important to be forgotten! 

Do you have a favorite story about your loved one? Please share it with us on the Grief Survivor Facebook page.     

This NewSpring Church article has a few tips for the holidays; and here is one that might help in the season to come.