🎓 When Joy Hurts Too: Grief During Graduation Season 🎓

Graduation season.
Prom season.
Weddings. Baby showers. New jobs. College announcements.

It’s a season bursting with celebration and futures unfolding.
And for many of us—it’s beautiful.
But it also hurts.

If you’ve lost a child, this time of year can feel like being caught between two worlds:
🌟 You’re genuinely happy for the people you love.
💔 And you’re aching for the milestones your child will never reach. No matter the age. Love knows no time.

🎈 The Moments That Sting

You’re scrolling through social media, smiling at the cap and gown pictures, the prom poses, the new cars and acceptance letters… and suddenly, it hits you.

That’s what would have come next.

The college dorm shopping.
The graduation announcements.
The “Mom, I did it” texts.
The wedding you’ll never help plan.
The baby shower you’ll never throw.

And just when you think you’re okay, something else hits.
Another post.
Another “what could have been.”
And you whisper to yourself: “Okay. Just breathe through it. You’ve got this.”

And maybe you do.
Until the next one comes.
And it still stings.

💛 You Can Be Happy For Others AND Grieve What You’ve Lost

Let’s make this clear: It’s not jealousy. It’s not resentment. It’s grief.

You’re allowed to feel both.
You can clap and cheer and mean it with all your heart—and still go home and cry in the quiet.

You don’t wish your sadness on anyone.
But it doesn’t mean you don’t miss your child with every breath.
You are human. You are grieving. And you are still full of love.

🧘 If You’re Struggling With This Season, Here Are a Few Gentle Ideas:

Give yourself permission to skip events if you need to.
You’re not obligated to show up if your heart is too heavy.
Bring someone with you.
A spouse, a best friend, a buffer. Someone who knows when you need to slip away and take a breath.
Find or create an “escape space.”
If you’re hosting or attending a celebration, see if there’s a quiet room or corner to regroup if needed.
Send a card or gift if attending feels too hard.
It still says “I see you. I celebrate you,” even if you can’t physically be there.
Let your people know.
“This season is hard. I love you. I’m happy for you. I’m also hurting.”
The people who truly love you will understand. I promise.

🎁 Thoughtful Gift Ideas When You’re Grieving

Sometimes, the child being celebrated was close to the one you lost—maybe a classmate or friend. That adds a special weight to the joy. Here are some gift ideas that allow you to honor both:

A photo frame with a quote about friendship
A book or journal with a note inside mentioning your child’s pride in them
A gift card tucked into a card that shares one memory of the two of them
A letter from the heart—simple and full of love

🎉 To the Friends and Families Hosting the Celebrations

We love you.
We celebrate with you.
We also want you to know that if we step out for a moment, it’s not because we’re not happy for you.
It’s because our hearts are stretched between celebration and loss.

If you’re hosting, consider offering:

A quiet room or small space someone can step away to
A gentle acknowledgment (“I know this day might be hard for some”)
A soft glance, a knowing smile—those small gestures mean the world

😂 And Hey—Be Nice to Your DoorDasher 😂

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the real heroes of grad party season… the folks delivering your last-minute ice, cupcakes, chips, and veggie trays.

We’re showing up sweaty, smiling, and dodging balloon arches and bouncing kids to bring you your party magic.

So leave a tip, toss a cold bottle of water our way, and maybe don’t judge us for dancing to 80’s & 90’s pop songs in your driveway. We’re just trying to keep the vibes light. 😉

🌷 Hold the Joy, Hold the Grief

To all of us navigating this season:
You can hold space for celebration and sadness.
You can be proud of others and ache for what’s missing.

This is not either/or.
It’s both/and.
And that is okay.

Breathe through it.
Cry if you need to.
Celebrate when you can.

DANCE IT OUT!! (who gets this? where is it from?)

You’re doing better than you think!

Light and Love ~Mandy

Stormeyes Enchanted