Our faith lights a candle on anniversary of death, but I light one
On bdays. Sounds corny but I try to help someone or donate to a cause.try to keep busy. Then a great dinner in a place he liked

I don't celebrate holidays or birthdays for a long time now. My Mom passed when I was 17. My Dad passed when I was in my late 20's early 30's. My twin sister Debbie passed Sept 12, 2006 and my oldest sister Barbara passed June 2022. My 3 brothers are still alive. I am the only girl left and it is depressing. I have become an introvert because I feel unloved and unwanted. So I stay to myself. I feel better when I go to work, so I can get out of the house. (I live alone)

Bless your heart, my mom's birthday just passed and so I feel your pain. The first year is always the hardest. It was for me at least. Try to find someone you can talk to who understands your pain, and tell them all about your mom. Tell them everything, the good and the bad. Remembering those good times was super helpful for me. I was fortunate that my brother was eager to spend the day with me where we could talk and remember. That truly helped. I don't know if you have siblings but people who knew her could also help. My mom had friends who we talked to on that first deathaversary and it helped to remember her out loud with others who knew and loved her. If you don't have people like that near you try Journaling. That's always helped me to feel better, maybe it would help you too. Then you can visit her tomb and read it to her. That's my advise. Hugs for you. That's a really hard day.

Judy - Thank you! I'm trying/thinking of things to do that day to keep busy. Hope you have a great weekend :)

Mark, have a plan to be busy on those "special" days. Also remember, it's just 24 hours. Good luck 🤞