This time of year is always difficult for me. This Saturday marks the anniversary of my husband George’s passing. In the early years of missing him terribly, my daughter and I found comfort in reframing the date—we started calling it his “heaven birthday.” The shift in perspective helped take the sting out of our loss and gave us space to celebrate his life rather than focus solely on his absence. (Psychology Today)
To honor George, we created a tradition: each year, we do something special—something he would have loved. This ritual has helped us keep his memory alive while giving us the chance to create new experiences together.
Turning Grief into Celebration: Our Annual Adventures
Year One: A Tribute in Colorado
In our first year without George, we flew to Colorado, a place he cherished for fly fishing. We stayed at The Broadmoor (https://www.broadmoor.com/), blending his love for the outdoors with our appreciation for fabulous spas. Between hiking scenic trails and soaking in the spa, we felt his presence in the beauty of the mountains—though we opted to skip the fly fishing.
Year Two: An Irish Getaway
For our second year, we embraced adventure and flew to Dublin, Ireland. Thanks to buddy passes, we were lucky enough to be bumped up to first class, which made the journey even more special. We explored boutique hotels, charming shops, and lively pubs. George would have relished the experience just as much as we did. (Ireland Travel Guide)
Year Three: Beach Bliss in the Cayman Islands
By the third year, we craved relaxation and chose a small resort in the Cayman Islands. The beaches were stunning, the water crystal-clear, and the slow pace gave us space to reflect and remember. While George was always one to be on the move, we know he would have appreciated the beauty surrounding us. (Cayman Islands Tourism)
Year Four: Wine Country in New York
We opted for a more local getaway for year four, heading to Skaneateles, NY. The Mirbeau Inn and Spa (https://www.mirbeau.com/) provided a cozy retreat, and we spent the weekend driving through wine and orchard country, savoring the peace and natural beauty.
Year Five: A Change in Plans
Our plan for a warm-weather escape to Grenada was unexpectedly canceled when the resort went bankrupt two weeks before our departure. Instead of jetting off, we kept things simple—a lovely dinner at home filled with laughter and reminiscing. It was a reminder that honoring George didn’t require grand gestures; sometimes, the smallest moments held the most meaning. (The Power of Rituals in Grief)
A Culinary Tribute in Vermont
One of our most unique tributes to George was a trip to Burlington, Vermont, where we took a pasta-making class at the Essex Culinary Spa (https://www.essexresort.com/). The experience of mixing culinary expertise with first-class relaxation was unforgettable. George, who loved good food and quality time, would have absolutely approved.
Another fun trip to Utah
We flew to Las Vegas and then drove to Red Mountain Resort (Red Mountain Resort), nestled in the stunning red rock landscapes of St. George, Utah. We immersed ourselves in the breathtaking scenery by taking a private Jeep tour through the neighboring Snow Canyon State Park (Utah State Parks), where the dramatic sandstone cliffs and winding trails reminded us of George’s adventurous spirit. The experience was a perfect blend of excitement and serenity, a fitting tribute to the man who always sought out nature’s wonders.
Traditions That Evolve but Never Fade
Over the years, life has shifted—graduate school, careers, a wedding, and now babies—but our tradition of honoring George remains. While our once spontaneous adventures have grown tamer and closer to home, the spirit of remembering him in a meaningful way continues. (The Role of Traditions in Grieving)
What started as a way to cope with grief has become a treasured tradition that keeps George with us every step forward. Grief changes, but love remains.
~ Janet Haney
💛 Have you created special traditions to honor a loved one? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.