Oh no-- it's getting close to my friend's dead loved one's birthday!

Number one: Whatever you do, don't avoid the mentioning of the lost loved one's name. As someone who has lost a child, I can honestly say, we need to be reminded of out lost family member, we need stories, memories, objects, and whatever it takes to keep our loved ones in our minds. It's hard to say but we want them here with us, and since we can't have that--any reminder will do. So, acknowledge the memory, the existence, it's vital to the grieving process. We know they are gone, the painful reminder is there, stabbing at our already weakened hearts. No, we are not over it--nor will we ever be. We did not lose an article of clothing we lost a part of ourselves. Send a short note, a birthday card, something that allows us the moment to reflect on the loved one. Send anniversary cards to a widow or widower, they relish that time of their life and need someone--anyone to validate how they feel.