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Hospitality for the Rest of Us: Anniversaries




Sometimes, it's important to remember dates. Some of those dates are birthdays, weddings, graduations. This particular post is about other anniversaries.

There are hard events in life, most of them involve death. We'll talk about active grief tomorrow, but today it's anniversaries. I believe that one of the most compassionate dates we can remember of those we love are times of loss. I would say this isn't for everyone and it certainly isn't for every death. But some will stick with you and you should do something about it.

When you have a date or time of year stuck in your head in regards to a friend and their loss, take the time to reach out and say hello. It tells them that they are important to you, their loss is felt by others, and that its okay to still be sad.

For some, they may want to move on and not be reminded, you'll get a clear picture of that right away. But for others, it can be a very loving thing to do.

In this day and age of fast communication, it's easy enough to send a simple text or Facebook message. You can share inspiring quotes or old photos. A simple memory of the one who has died. Or just a I'm thinking of you.

Like I said, you won't remember ever death that has affected your friends and loved ones, but take note of the ones you do and respond in love.

I'm reminded as I right this that not ever loss is a physical death, for some there are divorces and separations. Those to are long felt losses. I wouldn't bring up the past, but be aware that your friends may be down and not even really know why during those anniversaries.

I don't have a lot to say about these anniversaries, other than it speaks to me when people remember that I've lost. And I hope that my memory of others' loss is translated into some form of I love you.

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