TAPS is Always Here For You

The holidays are a festive time, filled with joyous occasions and family gatherings. But when your family circle has been broken by death, each holiday is a reminder of the empty spot at the table, the hole in your heart.

As we set the dishes and count the silverware for Thanksgiving, we are acutely aware of the empty places at the family table. We try to find something, anything, to be thankful for. We hold our breath and hope this day goes quickly. We sit in the dark and doubt we can endure too long.

But there are things you can do to help ease the bruise that grief leaves on our soul. TAPS has brought together tried and true tips, survivor stories and other resources to help you through this season. Visit www.taps.org/HolidayGriefTips to get holiday support when you need it. Even if you think you have lost the light, TAPS is here to shine the light of hope during this difficult season.

Here are 9 tips Frank Campbell shared with our survivors this weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Seminar.  We hope they will help you feel a little stronger as you face the season ahead knowing your TAPS family is always there for you.

9 Grief Tips to help make it through the holiday season:

1. Make a plan -- anticipation is often worse than the holiday itself.
2. Acknowledge your loved one's presence and absence.
3. Say yes to at least one invitation.
4. Allow others to help.
5. Avoid taking on too much.
6. Involve the kids in the holidays and traditions.
7. Take care of yourself.
8. Take each holiday one at a time and each year at a time. New traditions don't have to be repeated either.
9. Hold tight to the knowledge that love doesn't end in death.

Please remember that TAPS is available to you 24/7 through our National Military Survivor Helpline at 800-959-8277. You can always reach out to us this holiday season if you're feeling lonely, struggling with your grief, have questions or just need to talk to someone. We understand that grief does not follow a normal schedule, and we're here to answer your call, whether it's 2 p.m. or 2 a.m.

We are here for you.  

With care, 

Your TAPS Family