The anniversary of a child’s passing—an Angel Anniversary—is one of the most emotionally challenging days for a bereaved parent. The weight of loss can feel overwhelming, as memories flood back and emotions rise. However, there are ways to navigate these difficult days with grace, peace, and a sense of purpose.
In this blog post, I share insights from a recent The Angel Moms Podcast episode where I recount my personal journey with my daughter Katie’s Angel Anniversary and how I have found solace in creating simple, meaningful rituals. Below, I’ll walk you through how you can approach these difficult milestones in a way that feels right for you.
A Mother's Journey: My First Angel Anniversary
My daughter Katie's first Angel Anniversary was one of the hardest days I’ve ever faced. The rawness of grief was still fresh, and I wasn’t sure how to get through the day. Over time, I learned that there is no "right" way to mark this occasion, but there are ways to honour your child that can bring peace and comfort. For me, it has meant creating quiet rituals, small acts of remembrance, and being gentle with myself.
The grief journey is unpredictable, and each anniversary feels different. Sometimes, the day comes with an unexpected wave of emotions, and other times, there's a surprising calm. The key is allowing yourself the space to feel whatever comes, without judgment.
How Grief Rituals Evolve Over Time
What I’ve come to realize is that our grief needs evolve. Initially, I thought I had to plan something big or meaningful, but now, I’ve found comfort in smaller acts, such as lighting a candle or spending quiet time with my husband and son. These rituals, while simple, have become anchors for me during these difficult days.
For other grieving moms, a grief ritual might look different. Some find solace in a small gathering while others may prefer quiet solitude. Your journey is yours alone.
3 Action Steps to Honour Your Child’s Angel Anniversary
Here are three practical steps to help you honour your child’s Angel Anniversary in a way that feels meaningful and manageable:
Create a Simple Ritual This could be lighting a candle, saying a prayer, or writing a letter to your child. These small acts can offer comfort and a sense of connection on this difficult day.
Give Yourself Permission to Feel. Emotions may come in waves and they may be different for each child loss anniversary— you may feel sadness, anger, or even unexpected peace. Allow yourself to experience whatever arises without judgment or expectation.
Plan an Act of Kindness. One beautiful way to honour your child is to do something kind for someone else in their memory. It could be donating to a cause, volunteering, or simply offering help to a friend in need.
Finding Peace on Child Loss Anniversaries
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to grieving, especially on significant dates like an Angel Anniversary. It’s important to remember that whatever you do—or don’t do—is okay. The most important thing is to give yourself grace and permission to navigate the day in a way that feels best for you.
Listen to the Full Episode
For more insights and heartfelt stories about how to navigate these emotional milestones, tune in to this week’s episode of The Angel Moms Podcast. You’ll hear more about my personal journey with grief and practical suggestions for making these difficult days more manageable. Listen Now
Download this FREE PDF with 15 ideas to mark your child's Angel Anniversary.
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