Saturday Morning Message: Show Us How You Display Your Keepsakes
Author: Carol Lane
Good Morning,
The idea for today’s message came from Rachel, mother of Matthew, who sent a picture and wrote, “I wanted to express the emptiness in my heart. Since I'm not good with words and have always loved photography I decided on this. I felt these items best represented my ache at the time. I will forever have "boots in the house."
Rachel may reflect what others may be feeling in regards to their writing. Some readers of the Saturday Morning Message may not be as comfortable with writing, so I encourage you to send your photos, graphics or drawings with a sentence or two in response to the question of the week. We hope you enjoy this week's message.
Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon
Responses from Survivors to last week's question
What have you done to display your loved one's things that are special to you?
From Leslie, mother of Eugene:
Eugene made this in school when he was 9 years old. It is a batik. I have reframed it which he thought was silly, but he swelled with pride thinking how important it is to me.
From Carol, mother of Bryon:
Today is Bryon’s birthday, so I thought I would share some of the items I display. He was a Marine helicopter crew chief and that is why the helmet is there along with other items special to him. This display is in the room that was his bedroom. He was very proud of being a Marine, so these things chosen remind me of the love we shared both for each other and for our country.
Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message
What are some strategies you use to help when those waves of grief come over you now?
We are all experiencing the isolation caused by the pandemic, and when those feelings are combined with grief, it can be hard on us, so I thought we could share what we do to help relieve our stress. The question this week is: What are some strategies you use to help when those waves of grief come over you now? Sharing the methods you use may help other readers. We look forward to your responses.
The Saturday Morning Message was created so survivors can share questions and read how others respond. Questions for future messages are always welcome. You can reply to this message or email online@taps.org In order to have your reply included the following week, it is best to send your response by Tuesday morning. Thank you to everyone responding this week and those who read this message.
♫ Song for the Week
This week’s song is from Anne, spouse of John and mother of Michael, who writes, “ One of my favorite songs is 'You Raise Me Up' by Josh Groban. I used to sing this song to my husband, John, who passed away five years ago. We also lost our son, Michael, in the Marine Corps and every time I heard this song I thought of Michael and now since I lost my sweet husband, I feel that they are both together smiling and looking down on me! I just loved those men!
You can send me favorite songs for this song of the week section at online@taps.org and include a note about why the song is meaningful to you.
Share Your Thoughts
If you would like to send a message thanking one or all of those who participated in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to online@taps.org and your thoughts will be passed along to them. You never know how your words may touch the heart of another.
Related Stories
Boxes in the Attic
Try to keep in mind that saving everything in boxes and footlockers until you die may prevent others from enjoying memories, finding meaning, or honoring your loved one.
Other Items and Events of Interest
Join us on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 to 30, for our 27th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar! We will be live streaming all of our general sessions with guest speakers.
Important Note: In-person registration is still open, but we are in a waitlist situation due to COVID occupancy restrictions in the State of Virginia.
If you have any questions, email seminarregistrations@taps.org or call our Helpline at 202.588.TAPS (8277).
▶▶ Connect With Your TAPS Family
You can discover all the opportunities to connect with your TAPS Family on our website at the TAPS Event Calendar.
About the Saturday Morning Message
The Saturday Morning Message (SMM) is a weekly communication contributed by survivors. The primary focus of the SMM is to foster peer-based connections for support and encouragement. It is the goal of this communication to foster a safe, supportive place where we can openly share in a nonjudgmental and caring manner. Read and contribute as you are comfortable. Content submitted for the SMM is edited for space considerations and may be used in other TAPS publications. The loving family at TAPS is available to you 24 hours a day. Please call 202-588-TAPS (8277).