June is a tricky month for me. I love June for the weather here in Ottawa, it’s absolutely stunning. Finally summer, it’s just before it gets hot and sticky and the apple blossom trees are in full bloom. The school year is coming to an end and we’re getting excited about being on vacation.

June is also the anniversary of my Mom’s death. June 17th, the day I graduated from high school. Graduation ceremonies remind me of the best and worst day of my life. I was finally set free from high school, a place I did not enjoy and free to go to university, something I’d been dreaming of for years. June 17th was the last time I saw my beautiful Mom alive.

I was never the same after that day. I think many of us feel the same way, that our lives are split in two, the one before and the one after. I tell this story in interviews because it describes my grief experience so succinctly. The me before and the me after. My love of June weather and celebrations and my grief about the 29th anniversary of my Mom’s death. It’s been 29 long years of missing her. I’m so grateful to continue the Project - it’s the most beautiful way I can honour her. How do you honour your Mom’s death anniversary? What rituals are most important to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or you can always send me a message.