Some reminders are almost inevitable, especially during the first year after the death of your child.  Your reactions to these firsts might be intense, but you'll probably find it easier to cope with subsequent anniversary dates as years pass.

 

 

 

Common Grief Triggers
~Family gatherings or celebrations

~Childhood milestones (including the first day of school, prom, homecoming and other child-oriented days, such as Halloween)

Reminders can be anywhere - in sights, sounds and smells, in the news or on television programs. These reminders can ambush you, suddenly flooding you with emotions.
There can be years after a loss and you may continue to feel sadness and pain when you're confronted with such reminders. Many people think grieving should last a year or less, do not listen to them, instead, grieve at your own pace .