Chapter 1: Triggers of grief

Family reminders of the person who died

My aunt reminds me so much of my mother, the way she speaks, her mannerisms, the shape of her face. It brings up so many different feelings every time we see each other.

Often family members will not realize that they remind you of the person who died. Even if you used to love family get-togethers, they can now trigger grief. You can decide whether to share this with them.

I see my husband's smile on my son's face. I'm happy to see that something of my husband survives in my son, but it causes me a lot of pain.

Sometimes the trigger is a group of people - for example, a family dinner. Even if you used to love family get-togethers, they can now trigger grief.

Do you need to give yourself more time before you re-engage with family?

Do you need to find the courage to show up?

With time, these triggers can become reminders of comfort and connection.