My Monday’s usually included a phone call from Dad with a voicemail that said, “This is your former banker.  Are you available for lunch today to discuss a matter of importance?”  Austin’s Bar and Grill offers half price burgers on Monday.  Over the last several years I have had many “former banker meetings” with Mom and Dad.  Today I cherish every one of those meetings, lunches and conversations.  When I was in college my Dad would sign a card with the words, “Love, Your Banker.”  One of my early goals after graduation was to graduate Dad to former banker status.  

Dad’s accident was on a Monday four weeks ago around the time we would usually gathered for lunch so around noon is a tough time for me these days.

 If anyone wants to distract me on Monday’s around noon I am available to be distracted.  Job requirements:  the ability to make me laugh, stories about your favorite pet which confirms the humanity of our four legged children and the willingness to eat pretty good hamburgers.  Apply within.  

I’m discovering that it is important to create new rituals and traditions in the midst of grief.  It is valuable to note the old tradition and to acknowledge the transition from one way of doing things to the beginning of a new approach.  The acknowledgement honors the past and helps me to frame my grief.

 If anyone reading this is in a time of grief, how are you traversing this undiscovered country?