In the weeks leading to my sister’s deathiversary (November 6, 2018), I am pretty tender.

I know to expect this, but even so, I often find it challenging to accept the ways grief impacts my productivity, enthusiasm, and affect.

This year I’m trying something new. I just added an annual week-long event called “Griefies – be gentle” to my calendar. I think having this reminder show up on my phone every day might help me remember to allow myself to be how I am.

Hmmm. I do feel a little softer now, even thinking about being gentle.

It helps that I live with sweetness and gentleness around me all the time. Yesterday while I was carving my pumpkin (pics below), Ida, who had already completed hers, went off by herself for a little while. When she came back, she stuffed something in my pocket saying, “Nana, there’s a surprise in your pocket!”

Here’s what I pulled out.

• 

• 

So there’s that happening, too. 😊

I hope you are finding gentleness and sweetness and support for whatever you’re tender about right now. ❤️