Summer is a season most people look forward to – a time to relax, have fun and create memories. But for those grieving, the change of seasons does not pause the pain and sadness that comes with your grief loss. Summertime might mean a remembrance of travels and experiences that had been shared as a family that now feel different without the one who is gone. Summer might now mean a change in routine for caregiving or a shift in routine without your loved one. Summer is also a time when there is a culture expectation to be happy, to find joy in the sun, plan vacations and look forward to relaxation. Without the one you love, summer can feel not so bright but rather gloomy.
Here are a few things you can do to make the season work for you and your family:
- Give yourself permission to grieve. There’s no timeline or “right” way to feel.
- Set boundaries with others. It’s okay to say no to plans or traditions that feel too hard right now.
- Get outside. Nature has a way of grounding us. Take a walk, sit in the shade, or simply listen to the birds.
- Find small ways to honor your loved one. Light a candle, share stories, or visit a place that reminds you of them.
- Use the slower pace of summer to reflect. Journaling or quiet moments can offer healing.
- Care for your body. Stay hydrated, get rest, and nourish yourself with what you need—physically and emotionally.
- Create new traditions that include your loved one’s memory. This can be especially powerful when done together as a family.
With each passing season, finding opportunities to grieve AND cope will allow you to reflect and remember your loved one in a way that feels right to you.
Louis Grassi 