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Idea for grieving husband?
DH recently lost his grandfather unexpectedly, and while usually a very stoic man, this loss has hit him very hard. I wanted to do a little something special for him to commemorate his grandfather. I already plan on finding a nice picture of us with his grandparents and a picture of DH with grandpa when he was a kid to frame. But one of his grandfather's favorite pastimes was going to Atlantic City. Before we were married and when his grandparents were more mobile, we would often take trips there together and have a wonderful time. So I wanted to get DH a little something commemorative of grandpa and his fondness for Atlantic City (his favorite game was craps, so perhaps something related to dice). Maybe something small he could carry with him when we go to AC so grandpa can be with him and be a sort of good luck charm to him? But I'm at a loss for what, and I haven't really been finding anything online. Any ideas? Or is the whole idea just weird and dumb and should I leave it at the framed photo?
Re: Idea for grieving husband?
I found this book helpful when I lost my father: (Healing After Loss)
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_9_8?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=healing+after+loss+daily+meditations+for+working+through+grief&sprefix=healing+,stripbooks,322
I lost my dad at the beginning of April, and I think that the picture is a wonderful idea for now. I would wait to give your husband the other gift until the next time the two of you travel there together.... I like the idea of the keychain or something like that.
For me, the way my husband has been the most helpful is just by acting normal, but still supportive. Every time I see someone that I haven't seen since my dad passed, I have to talk about. For about 4 weeks after, anytime I saw anyone, it came up no matter what. It was nice to go home to my husband and have some normalcy. Now that things are returning to normal a bit more, it's nice that I can count on him for a long hug when something reminds me of my dad. He very rarely brings my dad up, but eagerly listens when I do.
The best thing you can do right now is just silently understand his needs and be his safe place. Hugs and kisses go a long way
Thanks, everyone. I think I will hold off on the gift as tarpon and KSBlumb have suggested, and just frame a nice photo or two for now.
KSBlumb, thanks for sharing, and I am so sorry for your recent loss. DH tends to process things internally, and I am already a very huggy and affectionate person, so I've tried to offer a little extra comfort and hugs, without being smothering