Dear Eric: One of my closest lifelong friends passed away recently. I’ve been friends with her husband also, since their marriage, where I was a bridesmaid. Their 50th anniversary is coming up next month. I’m heartbroken that “Lou” won’t have his wife, my friend, there to celebrate with him.

Is it appropriate for me to send him an anniversary card? I feel this milestone should be acknowledged in some way, and it might bring him some joy to know I remember. He has a close family and I’m sure their children will acknowledge the date also, but I’d like to acknowledge it myself. We are all grieving.

– Friend in Grief

Dear Friend: I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. Lou would surely appreciate hearing from you and even be encouraged by the warm memories of that special wedding day. Send a card or even consider giving a call if you feel up to it. You both lost someone who meant a lot to you, so this could be an opportunity for connection and healing, and for sharing happy moments and the hard parts. When we lose loved ones, it helps to know others miss them, too.

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Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.