Approaching major holidays is something that most college students look forward to. Who wouldn’t love getting off of school for Christmas or Easter and being able to go home, see family and friends, eat tons of food that’s not from the caf on campus, and finally have some time to catch up on their favorite Netflix series without the horrible interruption of homework?

Me.

Sure, having school off for family time and holidays is great, but there’s always something, someone,missing. The special sort of magic that hangs in the air around the holidays, ensuring that everyone is happy instead of hopeless seems to vanish. Everything loses its shine and turns dull. When somebody loses a parent, or any other family member or close friend, the special holidays and family traditions that take place throughout the year are no longer joyous occasions filled with pastries and parties.

Instead, they're a time of struggle and sadness due to missing that special person who was a huge part of your life that should be right there with you. Instead of enjoying the people around you, you constantly think of what joke the person would be telling, which outrageous story would come next (and how many times you’ve heard it), or how much the kids that are around would have loved that person that can no longer be there. Holidays turn from a time of joy and happiness to a time of holding the memories that you still have near and dear to your heart.

As Easter approaches this spring, I know that I am struggling once again to try to be joyful in preparation for one of the most cheerful holidays of the year. Sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I still can't seem to get over how much has changed, simply from not having a few special family members around the table anymore. Although I have faith and know that they're all in a much better place, everything about approaching the Easter season is still hard to get through.

I hope that all who are missing a parent, a family member, or a friend are able to get through the holiday while still having a good time with the help of the people that are there for them. Because of the support of my amazing family and friends, I now know that I'm able to get through anything or hit any curve ball out of the park that comes to me. If you're struggling, lean on the people you love, and remember to try to find joy in even the most simple and smallest of moments. Although the holidays may never be the same again after somebody you love passes, they still can be times of joy, as long as you remember to be positive and make them the best that they can be (at least so that you aren’t miserable). Remember: trials and tribulations not only test you, but they also build your faith and make you stronger.

It isn’t easy, and it’s not OK, but you can get through this.