Commack Grieving Expert & Author Offers Advice for Getting Through the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One

November 18, 2016; Commack, NY/Smithtown, NY/Huntington, N.Y. – The holiday season can be an especially challenging time for those who missing loved ones who have passed away. Dr. Meryl Ain of Commack, NY is a respected grieving expert as well as author and coauthor of the award-winning book, The Living Memories Project: Legacies That Last, and its newly published companion workbook, My Living Memories Project Journal. Known as “The Comfort Coach,” Dr. Ain offers advice to those who have experienced a loss. She will be holding two events on Long Island in November for individuals who, during the holiday season, need ideas and support for managing the feelings associated with the loss of a loved one.

On Wednesday, November 23 at the Dix Hills Jewish Center, located at 555 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, NY, at 7 p.m. Dr. Ain and her husband and coauthor, Stewart Ain, will speak about “A Season to Count Blessings and Remember Legacies” at a free ecumenical Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, co-sponsored by the Dix Hills Jewish Center and Church Unleashed in Commack.

On Tuesday, November 29 at The Book Revue, located at 313 New York Avenue in Huntington, NY, at 7 p.m. Dr. Ain will speak with guests regarding tips for getting through grief over the holidays and her new approach as well as sign purchased copies of her new book, My Living Memories Project Journal.

Dr. Ain will also appear at “The Living Memories Project Conference” (named after their book) at the Suffolk Y JCC in Commack, NY on Friday, December 16, which is geared for professionals who work with the bereaved, where Dr. Ain will be among featured keynote panelists and presenters discussing how to cope with grief of lost loved ones and strategies for helping people get through their grief over the holidays.

The new companion journal features quotes from the first book, which is based on interviews with 32 people about how they keep alive the memories, values, passions, and traditions of their loved ones. In the new interactive workbook, readers are encouraged to list special memories and recall loved ones’ favorite holidays, activities, dishes, sayings and passions as well as counting their own blessings. The new book also includes tips to help those who are grieving to get through the holidays and identify ways to celebrate the lives and memories of those who have passed.

“After the death of my mother, I healed and comforted myself through research and writing. This journey allowed me to find a number of ways to help others overcome their losses by inspiring them to keep memories of their loved ones alive,” Dr. Ain said. “It is important for people to focus on how their loved one lived, rather than how he/she died.”

For additional information about Dr. Ain’s events and her books including the My Living Memories Project Journal, please visit http://thelivingmemoriesproject.com/ Dr. Ain is also available for public speaking engagement and group events. Interested organizations should contact her through her website.

Dr. Ain's Tips for overcoming sorrow and celebrating the lives of passed loved ones during the holidays:
The feeling associated with the loss of a loved one can be challenging to manage around the holidays. Dr. Ain, also known as The Comfort Coach, has made it her mission to show how grief can be transformed into positive action, creative endeavors and living legacies. The following are tips from her new book My Living Memories Project Journal, for overcoming and transforming grief and focusing on the positive memories and to celebrate the lives of passed loved ones:

• Make an album or collage of your loved one, especially with family and friends enjoying happy times.
• Watch videos of special events and uplifting moments involving your loved one.
• Share a favorite anecdote or story about the person who is gone.
• Watch their favorite holiday movies and sing their favorite songs.
• Give your loved one’s clothing to the needy.
• Donate to a charity in memory of your loved one.
• If you feel lonely, help those who are less fortunate. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, hospital, or nursing

• If it is too difficult and painful to celebrate in the customary way this year, make a new tradition, e.g., going on vacation, going to the movies, changing the venue.
• Instead of sending your usual cards, send cards or care packages to those in the military and thank them for their service.
• It is always a good idea to seek out counseling, or a support or bereavement group.

For additional information and ideas for remembering and celebrate the lives of passed loved ones visit http://thelivingmemoriesproject.com/

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