The end of each year is traditionally a wonderful time for many people, but it can be difficult for survivors of suicide loss, no matter how long it has been since their lives changed. Among the decorations, music, special events, and general holiday cheer are threads of memories that take us back to days when our loved ones were alive and with us. There are reminders composed of bits of love and joy that sting and taunt us with a question we know the answer to, a question that persists anyway: “Why is my loved one not here?” Finding what we have in common with others can help us through the darkest moments of grief.

Click here to continue reading.