Empty Chair Syndrome During the Holidays

  The spaces left behind by those who are no longer with you materialize in the most unusual and painful ways. Their images are still imprinted in the photographs you keep of them. Their belongings and their empty rooms tell you of a past when they were always around. This can lead to something known as empty chair syndrome. Those who’ve passed away occupy your heart, but not your physical environment. And this is evident when holidays like their anniversaries and, of course, Christmas roll around. In those times when we dress up for celebration, get together, and offer presents,…