Losing my Father

To be honest I don't know where to start. I feel like I am the only person in the world right now and most evenings when my wife has gone to bed i just sit and cry with regret and sadness. I lost my Dad on the 1st of July 2015. I hate myself for not getting to my dad sooner than I did. He was an incredible man was old fashioned and so selfless. He kept the severity of his cancer from me to protect me.  I arrived a day too late as he never woke after I arrived to see him.

I cannot forget how terribly poorly he looked when I saw him and even though he was still alive I knew he was gone and he died the following day in front of me.

Even though he had moved to France after my mum divorced him, we were very close and spoke all the time.

When I checked his phone after he died I noticed  he tried to call me the day I arrived but I was on the plane so his call never reached me. I feel so angry and hurt that I will never know what he wanted to say. Hourss later before I got to him he deteriated and slipped into an unconscious state. The thought of him dying in pain alone destroys me inside.

I find it literally impossible to talk to with anyone so I just bottle up all my feelings as I know nothing can give me another chance to tell him how much I loved him and to thank him for everything and for all the kindness, Love and support he always gave me. 

It's incredible how it just doesn't sink in that he's gone  and when it dawns on me that has which is every day it's like being struck suddenly.

My life is upside down now and I just don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. When I see my 2 year old son, I feel so sad that he will never have the opportunity to see his Grandad again. My days now just seem like groundhog day going through these terrible feelings of bitterness and regret. I hope I can get my life  back on track for my wife and sons sake who are my world as my Father would not want me to feel like this but the day he died I feel a big part of me died with him. Please tell me this will get easier. I hope by writing this it will get me back on the right path.

Richard 

  • Hello Richard,

    It's strange, everyone who lost their parents in July seem tp be posting tonight. 

    So sorry to hear about you Dad. I know how hard it is. But ypu must try and let go of all these bitter angry feelings. Your Dad is now in a paradise where he watches over you everyday. Just talk to him, he will always be listening. 

    I am 23 and my Mum died at 52 two months after being diagnosed on 14th July. It was awful. My mum was my bestfriend. We were so close, I has similar experiences. Like you I sit and cry on my own. I don't want to bother my husband with the grief and constantly bring him down. That's not fair to him, plus nothing he says is going to make me feel better, we both know that. So your not the only one who does that. 

    My mum was so excited forgrandchildren. It is absolutely awful that she had the chance to meet them as my sister and I haven't had children yet. 

    When it comes to the bitterness and anger. Tall to your Dad. I am a strong believer that the soul lives on, and that our parents are around us and watching over us.  

    There are a couple of regrets I had. My mum and I were quite spiritual, so I said to her when she was dying. " Mum, your mum and dad are waiting for you."  That was always something my mum took comfort in. But with the morphine mum's reply was. " please stop saying that." I felt awful. I couldn't believe it.  

    A month later while walking the dog, I apologised to my mum. Chatting away to her. After that I felt alot better. To be honest that's the first time I have thought about it. Staying bitter and worrying about things will only make you ill. 

    Just try and let it go, have no regrets. It's pointless wasting you energy being angry about something you cannot try. Please do try and let go. Your Dad wouldnt want you to feel this way. 

     

    All the best,

    Janna

  • Hello Janna

    Your kind words mean alot to me and I take great comfort in what you say so thank you for that. It's nice to hear from someone who understands what I am going through and I am deeply sorry to hear about your Mum. Life just doesn't prepare us for for losing loved ones. 

    Last night was one of my lowest points but today I decided that I would like to have some counselling which I'm hoping will help. I told my wife who thinks it's also a good idea. 

    I shall let you know how it goes.

    Stay strong Janna and thank you again. 

  • Hey Richard,

    I apologise about all the typo's in the last post, I was very tired on the night shift. 

    I am so glad to hear you are going to give counselling a go. That's fantastic. It helps so many people, I am sure it will help you. Yes, you are right, life just doesn't prepare for losing a loved one. 

    Yesterday was also one of my lowest points. I have never broken down at work. Yes, there are lots of people on here who are going through the same thing and it is great talking to someone who understands. My husband is fantastic, but he doesn't understand what it's like. So I write on here because it is so nice to speak to people who truly understand the horrendous grief that come with losing a parent.

    Yes, please do let me know how counselling goes. Book an appointment as soon as possible. 

     

    All the best Richard,

    Dont forget to talk to your Dad he is always listening. You stay strong too. Especially for your little boy!!! 

    Janna 

     

  • Thanks Janna 

    I will take your advice. I am going to try and speak with my Father more from now on. I'm sure this will help me grieve and release some of the burden I feel.

    Don't apologise for the typos. Was a lovely message. And yes you are right about staying strong for my boy. Thankfully he is a great distraction for me. I also read your mesage when you lost at you Mum. So very sad. I hope in time it becomes easier for you too Janna and I hope you and your family come together to support each other going forwards.

    Richard 

  • Hi Richard, I'm so sorry to hear your story.

    I lost my mum suddenly at the end of May. I still do what you a re doing, once the husband has gone to bed I sit and cry..actually I sob my heart out. As I've just been doing. I don't know that I can offer any advice, except to say I'm sending you huge hugs. 

    X