ABSTRACT
Anniversary occasions result in a renewed sense of grief; these renewed grief experience occurs not only in response to specific anniversaries, but also in response to circumstances which serve to remind the mourner of death. Birthdays; wedding dates; holidays such as Easter, thanks giving, and Christmas; and other special occasions create a focus for the sense of loss that results in a change in behavior and feelings on these dates. The major task for mourner is to accept and work to survive the naturalness of these anniversary reactions. This phenomenon speaks of the need to plan ahead in anticipation of this more vulnerable period of time. Some mourners will not mention anniversaries to people around them suffering in silence and increasing their sense of isolation on these days. Taking inventory of a bereaved persons anniversary occasions allows support to be provided as those times occur. Caregivers can be instrumental in helping organize meaningful activities to mark the anniversary or special occasions.
