Preparing for the Holidays While Honoring Your Grief

Buffy Johnston • October 22, 2026

The holiday season often brings a mix of anticipation and heartache, especially when you’re carrying grief into a time that’s meant to feel joyful. As the celebrations approach, it’s important to prepare both practically and emotionally.

Grief can surface in unexpected ways—through memories, traditions, or the quiet moments between gatherings. Allow yourself to acknowledge these feelings rather than push them aside.

Create space for what comforts you, whether that’s simplifying plans, honoring a loved one with a small ritual, or leaning on supportive friends and family. Preparing for the holidays isn’t about avoiding grief; it’s about giving yourself permission to feel, remember, and move gently through the season with compassion for your own heart.

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Honoring Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

By Buffy Johnston • October 15, 2026

October honors Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a time to acknowledge the deep grief carried by parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby. These losses, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death, leave lasting emotional impacts that are often felt quietly and privately. Creating space for remembrance allows families to share their stories, find support, and know they are not alone. Simple acts of compassion, such as lighting a candle or speaking a child’s name, can bring comfort and connection. This month reminds us to extend kindness, listen without judgment, and support families as they navigate a grief that deserves recognition and gentle understanding.

Honoring Caregivers This October

By Buffy Johnston • October 8, 2026

October offers an important opportunity to recognize the caregivers who support loved ones through illness, aging, and loss. Their quiet strength, long hours, and emotional dedication often go unseen, yet their impact is felt deeply by the families they serve. In death care, we witness how caregivers provide comfort, stability, and dignity during life’s most challenging moments. Supporting caregivers begins with acknowledgment. A kind word, shared resource, or moment of understanding can remind them they are not alone. Many carry heavy responsibilities while navigating their own grief, making community compassion essential. This month encourages us to honor caregivers for the love and commitment they give so generously, and to uplift them as vital members of our circle of care.

Honor, Remember, Act: A Message for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Buffy Johnston • October 1, 2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and encourage early detection. While breast cancer is most commonly associated with women, men can also be affected, often with later diagnoses due to lack of awareness. Regular screenings, knowing your family history, and paying attention to changes in breast tissue are essential steps for everyone. Early detection remains the strongest tool we have for saving lives through timely treatment and increased options. This month, we encourage both men and women to speak with their healthcare providers, schedule screenings, and share information with those they love. Awareness is powerful, but action is what protects our families and our community.

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