I've written before about anniversaries of the heart. They may be full of joy, melancholy, sorrow. They may be dates of birth, dates of great celebration, dates of death, life events, transitions, tragedy. So many possibilities, and, with time, we all come to experience them.
It means so much when someone reaches out to you on those days. That someone says hey, I remember. You are not alone, I remember. People often hold their pain inside, closed off, and go along as if all is well. Which reminds me of a lovely affirmation for good times and bad. All will be well, all will be well, and all manner of things will be well. Funny how we forget that, or flat out don't have enough faith to believe it. All will be well. Not all will be as we'd hoped, or expected, or desired. But all will be well.
I know, that's a struggle to embrace. Yet, embrace it we must. On the days we look back and see only failure. On the days we miss someone long gone. On the days that ended badly. I know it's a struggle.
Anniversaries of the heart can be lonely moments of reflection. If at all possible, share those moments with another. They can be moments of joy, share those moments. They can be days that changed the course of your life. Remember those days in the lives of your friends and family. Bridge the gap and reach out.
I say all this knowing I struggle with reaching out. I excel at missing birthdays. I'm not great at sharing my life. I love connection, I'm just not always great at it. I am, however, a work in progress. And all will be well. On the good days, on the hard days, on the anniversaries of the heart. All will be well.