HOUSTON — In MY GRIEF IS NOT LIKE YOURS, Theo Boyd interweaves the story of her struggle with complicated grief —the type of heavy, lingering grief that comes after an unexpected, unspeakable loss — with a tribute to her extraordinary parents, both native Texans, and their devotion to each other.
Headline 3: Six Survival Tips for Mother's Day—After Losing a Mom:
1. Give Yourself a Break. These holidays can come with boatloads of anxiety and depression. Be honest and transparent with your feelings and if you need help getting through this time, seek professional help.
2. Honor Your Late Mother on Mother's Day. Just because she is gone doesn't mean you "aren't allowed" to celebrate her memory on the day. Fill the house with your mother's favorite flowers and music, pictures and books—and keep them there as long as you want to.
3. Celebrate Yourself as a Mother. Part of the challenges of the grieving process is to know that if you're a mom, your kids still need you and they will want to celebrate the holiday with YOU.
4. Volunteer for a Cause. Transfer your sadness and grief to help others. Continue to donate your time and resources to various charities your mom believed in.
5. Become Your Family's Matriarch. Plan a family gathering, and make sure that if it's "your turn" to become the family's matriarch, proudly step into the role for your family—even if it's under unfortunate circumstances.
6. Celebrate Mom's Extraordinary. For many of us, memories can help to keep the person alive in our hearts. Start by writing a list of one hundred of her defining qualities, talents, and quirks, and bring them up in family gatherings to talk about your mom with the very family who cherished her.
To learn more about Theo Boyd or to order a copy of "MY GRIEF IS NOT LIKE YOURS: Learning to Live After Unimaginable Loss, A Daughter's Journey" click here.