When it comes to loss we each respond differently in how we cope over time. A simple truism.

For me I find no particular signifigance in a particular date. My memories stored in some mental compartment which I visit when needed. I have a dear friend who lost a son in an automible crash some 25 years ago now.   To this day she cannot bear the month of April (when this happened) and commemorates it in her way for the entire month.   Many times she tells me how I upset about my loss when the date of that rolls around---I try to tell her what I said above.

Yet, as the other thread about meaningful people in your life made me realize, posting things on Mudcat might well help people feel a comfort in sharing and talking about things on this new electronic community we have.

All depends on the individual and how they cope and fulfill their needs. Which makes me think of the earlier post by Amos that said you don't have to get over grief but that it is probably a healthy thing to do ((paraphrase). Institutionalizing it, I agree, is not all that meaningful. What ever , as said, helps is the right thing and you can use whatever name you want ---secular or religious.


Bill Hahn