As the holiday season approaches and we gather with family and friends, we remember those who are no longer with us. Often times family traditions change after a loss, and we find new ways to celebrate the holidays and keep the memory of our loved ones alive.
Personally, I have always found great joy in decorating for the Christmas season. For several years after 9/11, the holidays were challenging, and I relied on the support of family and friends. They hung wreaths on our doors, invited us to festive parties, and over for dinners at their homes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They dropped off homemade treats, like eggnog and Christmas cookies. Although we still feel Brad's loss, our caring friends taught us the true meaning of the holidays, and gave us hope for the future along with new traditions.
Many of the families we have been privileged to work with have shared similar stories. In advance of the holidays, we would like to hear about your personal experiences, whether you lost someone on 9/11 or under other circumstances - the challenges you faced, things that were helpful, how you remember your loved one during the holidays and new traditions that you have created. Responses will be shared with all of you later this month.
Click here to provide your thoughts, which can be submitted anonymously.
Wishing you peace and hope as you prepare for the holidays!
Warm regards,
Mary Fetchet and the VOICES Staff
VOICES is proud of our unwavering commitment to supporting those impacted by 9/11, promoting efforts to make our country safer, and helping communities heal after other tragedies. Your charitable gifts make this possible!
