Creating a Memory Chain: Remembering Loved Ones, Coping with Grief During Christmas and the Holidays

Creating a Memory Chain: Remembering Loved Ones, Coping with Grief During Christmas and the Holidays

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- SUGGESTED ANCHOR LEAD: Christmas is a time of caring, sharing and remembering. That's especially true for those who have lost loved ones -- at home, or in combat. How can people deal with grief, especially during the holidays?

SCRIPT: Professor John Moore teaches psychology at American Military University. One of his students lost her son this year in Iraq. His advice to her -- and to others dealing with loss during the holidays -- is to be open about your feelings, and don't force a holiday mood if you aren't up to it. Another is to create a "memory chain."

CUT: (Moore) A memory chain is simply pieces of paper shaped and formed like a chain, where you write down memories or thoughts about that person.

SCRIPT: Moore says some people include pictures in the chain. And children sometimes make drawings that represent emotions.

CUT: (Moore) That way there is a place to bring memory and thought and meaning to that person's passing. It also gives the person who is in the grief process something tangible to put their hands on.

SCRIPT: To learn more about memory chains, go to amuonline.com/military. That's amuonline.com/military. For American Military University, I'm Carolyn Russell.

Attention News Directors:

For downloadable audio feeds (including produced story and/or audio interview cuts) and additional information: http://www.amuonline.com/military.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. John D. Moore, LCPC, CADC http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=35786

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: American Military University

CONTACT: Renee Williams Hockaday of American Military University,
+1-703-334-3868, rhockaday@apus.edu, or Carolyn Russell of Russell Public
Relations, +1-316-932-9000, carolyn@russellpr.com, for American Military
University

Web site: http://www.amuonline.com/military

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