I miss you Dad! 🥺🥺🍋

Losing someone you love, especially a parent like your dad, feels like the world just stops. For me, it truly felt like 'we both died that day – but only you stopped breathing.' That quote from 'THE PRETTY PAINFUL GRIEF BOOK' really hit home because a significant piece of me absolutely died with him. It's not just a saying; it's the raw truth of how grief rearranged my identity. I remember feeling so lost, wondering who I was without his presence, his guidance, his laugh. The initial shock of 'my dad just died' slowly transformed into a deep, aching void that sometimes feels impossible to fill. Grief is weird, isn't it? One moment you're okay, just going through the motions, and the next, a song on the radio, a familiar scent, or even just seeing someone who reminds you of him, can send you spiraling. It's not a linear process, and I've learned to accept that. Some days, I'm just missing him so intensely, those 'missing you grief' moments that feel like a physical ache. Four years might have passed since he passed away, but the sting of loss can still feel as fresh as day one. There's no timeline for healing, and that's something I wish someone had told me earlier. Everyone's journey through grief is unique, and there's no 'right' way to feel or process it. I've found solace in different ways during this healing journey. Sometimes, it's writing a letter to my dad who passed away, even if it's just to tell him about my day or to pour out my heart. It's a way to keep our connection alive, even if it's one-sided now. Other times, it's finding comfort in 'grief glitter quotes' – those small, poignant sayings that articulate feelings I can't quite put into words. Sharing my father passed away message with friends and family also helped, knowing I wasn't alone in remembering him and keeping his memory alive. Finding a community, even online, where others understand 'missing father after death' has been invaluable. And then there's the ongoing process of 'grieving the living' – learning to live without him, accepting that life continues, but it’s irrevocably changed. It’s about carrying his memory forward, honoring his legacy, and finding joy again, not despite the grief, but alongside it. This isn't about forgetting; it's about integrating the loss into who I am now. It's a continuous journey of remembering, loving, and slowly, gently, healing. It's about understanding that 'about grief' means constantly learning and adapting. If you're going through something similar, remember that your feelings are valid, and it's okay to not be okay. We're all navigating our own 'pretty painful grief' in unique ways, and it's okay to seek support, whether it's through a blog or just talking to a trusted friend. You are not alone in this.