REFLECTION: Thinking about my dad brought both tears and laughter, sorrow and happiness. I felt guilty for any feelings of joy, as if I should always feel sad to honor his memory.

HOW I COPED: I began a practice of celebrating the happy moments I experienced without guilt, knowing that my Dad would want me to be joyous, and that I would need them to get me through the moments of pain and sorrow that would return.  I found activities that brought me joy and cultivated my exploration of new.