You feel unusually grumpy and stressed. You’re jittery, exhausted, or melancholy. You’re confused because nothing seems to be triggering these feelings. But then you look at the calendar, and you realize it’s your loved one’s birthday or death day. If we accept that "the body keeps the score,” we understand that sometimes our bodies register these anniversaries before our minds do.
We usually expect the first birthday and death day after our person has died to bring up a host of feelings. But the truth is these dates can be challenging for grievers years after their person has died.
In year one or two, your friends and family might still be attuned to these key dates, and remember to check in with you. For sure, you’ll be anticipating these milestones and are unlikely to be taken off guard by the tornado of emotions swirling inside you. But........