Written by Patricia D. Freudenberg
Holding Space for the One Who Belongs at the Table
The world keeps spinning, round and round, even when the heart feels still. That tension becomes more visible during the holidays, especially for those carrying the weight of an empty chair. As a grief consultant, I hear this throughout the year, but it becomes more pronounced as families gather and expectations rise. Gratitude and grief often sit side by side, and that is not a contradiction; it is the human experience.
This edition focuses on the intentional act of holding space for the person who belongs at your table. When loved ones are no longer physically present, it can feel as though something essential is missing. Creating a physical symbol, even a simple one, can bring grounding and comfort. It might be a votive, a small garden rock, a photograph, a personal object, or even a place setting no one uses. These gestures are not about clinging to what was lost; they are about honoring the truth that love remains.
I remember placing a small garden rock on my own table one year. It was modest, unexpected, and my family looked at me with concern. But I knew something needed to be acknowledged. Sometimes a physical token becomes the bridge between sorrow and gratitude, giving shape to the presence we still feel deeply.
Here in the United States, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. These weeks can stir emotions that run deeper than many anticipate. Some people experience unexpected sadness or even depression, and this does not mean they are doing something wrong. It means their love was real. This season can be heavy, but it can also be healing when we approach it with intention.
Holding space is a choice. It is a forward-moving action. It creates room for memory, meaning, and peace. We cannot change what has happened, but we can influence what we honor and how we carry it into the future. Keep the memory alive. It is part of your story and part of your strength.
Reflection
What meaningful object, gesture, or new tradition will you bring to your table this season to honor the person who should be there? Describe it and define why it matters to you.
Quote of the Day
“Love may change form, but it does not retreat. It lives in the rituals we create, the stories we protect, and the courage it takes to keep setting the table with hope.” – Patricia D. Freudenberg
Legacy Insight
If you are ready to navigate this season with intention and purpose, my book Live Your Legacy offers a practical and reflective guide to move through grief while building meaning that carries you forward.
Available on Amazon
Miss-U-Gram® Grief Recovery Newsletter Series
© Patricia D. Freudenberg. All Rights Reserved.
Founder and CEO, Miss-U-Gram®
Certified End of Life Consultant
Prosper for Purpose Company
