Rest in peace Daddy 💙 LIVE YOUR LIFE
On Saturday May 18, I got a call late at night from my two older sisters that our father passed away from a heart attack. The most amazing man I know. The greatest man I know. My best friend. He truly was the most beautiful and important blessing God could have ever blessed me with. Now gone from me. He was always the one that lifted me up when I was down. The one that encouraged me the most. That loved me the hardest. I never took having him in my life for granted. It hurts the most because I just always thought I had more time with him. I remember once when I was little he told me he was going to live to be 100 years old. And I truly did believe that. If anyone deserved that, it should have been him.
If anyone reading this has any advice to help me, I would love some tips on dealing with losing a loved one. I know I will get through this. But like I said, he was the one I called when I needed a pick me up. He as the one that always wiped away my tears and filled my heart back with love. And now I have to be my own inspiration.
And if you do comment. Please no condolences. Everyone keeps calling me with condolences. Just kind words only or advice to get through.
Losing someone as central as a father feels like the world has stopped, yet everyone else keeps moving. I know that feeling all too well. While the initial shock is overwhelming, what often comes next are the waves of grief that hit on unexpected days, especially around significant milestones. I remember dreading my dad's birthday after he passed, wondering how I could possibly get through it without him. It felt like another punch to the gut, a stark reminder of what would have been. One thing that helped me was finding small, personal ways to acknowledge those days. Instead of trying to ignore it, I started a new tradition. Maybe it's visiting a favorite spot we shared, listening to his favorite music, or even just writing a letter to him, telling him everything that's happened. It's a way of saying, 'I love you daddy, RIP daddy,' and keeping his presence alive in my heart, even if he's not physically here. Another aspect of grief that often goes unaddressed is how to communicate your feelings to others. Sometimes, when people offer condolences, they mean well, but it doesn't always feel helpful. Learning to articulate what you do need – whether it's just someone to listen, a distraction, or practical help – can be really empowering. I found that creating a simple 'loss of a loved one message' to send to close friends, explaining what kind of support I needed (and didn't need), made a huge difference. It helped set boundaries and ensured I received comfort that genuinely resonated. It's also okay to seek out different avenues for remembrance. For some, looking at old obituaries or family histories, maybe even from a serenity funeral home obituary column, can offer a sense of connection to a larger story. For me, it was looking through old photos and sharing stories with family. Each memory, even if it brought tears, also brought a warmth that reminded me of the incredible bond we shared. Grief isn't linear, and there will be days when it feels like you're taking two steps back. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to feel the sadness, the anger, even the moments of unexpected joy. Finding a community, whether online or in person, of others who have experienced similar losses can be incredibly validating. Knowing you're not alone in these complex feelings, and that others have found their own paths to healing, provides a glimmer of hope. Your strength will shine through, even on the hardest days, as you find new ways to honor the love that remains.
