Thanksgiving is synonymous with gratitude. But when you’re grieving a profound loss, the directive to "be thankful” can feel impossible, even painful. How can you be grateful when your heart is shattered? This year, we invite you to reframe the holiday. Gratitude doesn’t have to mean joy, and grief doesn’t have to mean an absence of love. In fact, they can coexist. This Thanksgiving, it’s okay to hold space for both the deep sorrow of your loss and the profound gratitude for the love that caused it.

The Paradox of Thankfulness in Loss

Your grief exists because your love was real. This year, gratitude might not look like a list of blessings. It might look quieter and more complex. It might be:

• Gratitude for the time you had, rather than anger for the time you lost.
• Gratitude for a single, cherished memory that makes you smile through tears.
• Gratitude for the legacy of values and love they left behind.
• Gratitude for the support of friends and family who are sitting with you in your sadness.

This isn’t about ignoring your pain. It’s about allowing thankfulness to be a gentle companion to your grief, not its replacement.

Meaningful Ways to Weave Memory into Your Thanksgiving

Honoring your loved one can become a new, tender tradition that acknowledges the empty chair while filling the space with their spirit. Consider:

1. The Memory Plate: Set a place for them. Invite guests to place a note, a photo, or a small memento on the plate throughout the day—a silent, powerful acknowledgment of their presence in your hearts.
2. The Gratitude Jar Shift: Instead of sharing what you’re thankful for this year, invite everyone to share a favorite memory of the loved you’ve lost. Write them down to read aloud or keep in a jar to revisit in years to come. This focuses on grateful remembrance rather than present-tense thankfulness.
3. Cook Their Signature Dish: Did they make the famous pumpkin pie or the secret-recipe stuffing? Preparing and serving their favorite dish is a tangible way to bring their memory to the feast. Share the story behind the recipe as you serve it.
4. A Moment of Silence or Toast: Before the meal, take a moment to light a candle or invite everyone to raise a glass in their honor. You might say, "Before we eat, let’s take a quiet moment to hold [Name] in our hearts. We miss them deeply and are grateful for every moment we shared.”

Giving Yourself Permission This Thanksgiving

Permission to Feel Joy: If a moment of laughter catches you by surprise, don’t feel guilty. It is not a betrayal of your love; it is a testament to your capacity to heal.

Permission to Feel Sad: If you need to excuse yourself for a few quiet minutes, do so. Your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to not be okay, even on a holiday.

Permission to Change Traditions: It’s okay to skip the big gathering for a quiet dinner with immediate family or even by yourself. Do what feels manageable for your heart this year.

A Message from Our Family to Yours

We are deeply aware that the holidays illuminate the absence of those we’ve cared for. We see the families behind every service, and we carry you in our thoughts during these difficult seasons.

Please know that your unique journey through grief is respected here. However you choose to navigate this Thanksgiving—whether filled with tradition, quiet reflection, or a mix of tears and gratitude—we hope you feel the warmth of your loved one’s memory beside you.

You are not alone. Our commitment to supporting our community extends far beyond the services we provide. From our family to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving where you find moments of peace and the comfort of cherished love.