Memorial Day is a time when many people pause to reflect on the loved ones who shaped their lives.

For older adults especially, this season can stir feelings that are both warm and painful. It is a time filled with public ceremonies and patriotic displays, but also private memories, quiet moments and the ache of missing someone deeply.

Grief during late May can feel especially sharp. The weather turns warm, families gather and everywhere there are reminders of years gone by.

For those navigating life after the loss of a parent, spouse, sibling or close friend, this holiday can bring back vivid memories and a deep sense of longing.

Memorial Day, along with birthdays and anniversaries, can awaken emotions we think we have already processed.

These emotional moments do not mean we are moving backward.

They simply show how strong the bond remains between us and the ones we loved.

For me, this time of year carries a very personal meaning.

My mom, Evelyne Rogers, would be turning 81 years old on May 25.

This will be her second birthday since she passed away on Veterans Day in 2024. Even now, thinking about her birthday brings both sadness and deep gratitude for the years we had together.

My mom was a fraternal twin. Her sister, my Aunt Avalina Balista, lives in Akron, and is still with us and doing well for her age. The bond between twins is unlike any other. They came into the world together, shared a lifetime of memories and carried a connection that only they truly understood.

Now that my mom is gone, I feel a strong desire to show my aunt how much she was loved by her sister. I know that she misses her twin every single day, especially around their birthday.

That is why I try to celebrate both of them now. I add a little extra love, attention and acknowledgment for my aunt, because honoring her also honors my mom’s memory.

It is a way of keeping their bond alive, even though one of them is no longer here.

There are many gentle ways to cope during this season. Creating personal rituals, such as lighting a candle or visiting a meaningful place, can bring comfort.

Sharing stories about loved ones helps keep their memory strong. Some people find support through community events, while others prefer quiet reflection. What matters most is giving yourself permission to feel whatever comes, without judgment. Reaching out for support, whether from friends, family or professionals, can also make a meaningful difference.

Memorial Day reminds us that grief exists because love exists.

Remembering our loved ones, whether they were veterans, parents, siblings or lifelong friends, is an act of honor.

For me, honoring my mother Evelyne and showing love to my Aunt Avalina in Akron is how I carry their story forward. In this season of remembrance, love becomes the bridge that keeps us connected to those who shaped our lives.