I lost my Mum 5 months ago - pressure through grieving

I lost my mum to Ovarian Cancer in February this year at the age of 25. I’m living with my Dad and helped to change a few bits, such as bedding, in his and mum’s bedroom to help him sleep shortly after she passed away. He has now asked me a number of times if I can sort out Mum’s clothes and belongings as he thinks that ‘it’s time’. I’m not sure than I feel ready and I am feeling a bit pressured but i’m also worried that i’m protecting myself from coming to terms with everything. 

Can anyone offer any advice of how they overcome this situation?

Thanks, J x

  • This can be a difficult one which people handle differently; it is always difficult though.  My neighbour couldn't face it for almost a year after her husband died but didn't want anyone else to do it.  When our father died some years ago, my sister and I had to do this job fairly early on as we both lived some distance away.  We just gritted our teeth and did it.  Is there anybody who can help you with this?  Alternatively just have a quiet word with your dad and say you would like a bit more time.   Some just do it quickly, puting things in bags as quickly as possible; others like to take time and linger over items with a particular significance.  A very sad task.  But don't take it on board by yourself and at this time if it is too much to face.  How would you feel if somebody else (a relative? a family friend?) did it for you.  Annie

  • Hi i think annies right i did opposit to your dad as we all grieve diffrently speaking as a dad if my doughter said she wasnt quite ready yet and asked me to wait a while longer i wouldnt mind at all .you could just suggest he does it slowly bit by bit so he doesnt throw somthing away he may regret later .clothes first maybe to charity a kindness always feels good .me when liz daughter took her clothes i cut the wardrobe up and threw it away not because of memorys but so no one else could use it but my liz .now ive started on small things and not rushing till ime ready hope that helps.paul ps you may feel like your throwing your mum away but there just clothes if your mum didnt need them anymore would she hang onto them .

  • Thank you for your replies Paulus and AnnieLiz. I have spoken to him and we have agreed to start by doing one section at a time - together. We’re going to sort them into piles of Charity, Keep and Unsure - that way we can re-look through the unsure pile and we aren’t throwing away anything we will regret. :)

  • Hi, 

    Sorting out a loved ones possesions is very emotional. Like Annie, when my mother died I had to do it very quickly as the housing association gave me just a month which was difficult as I was working full time and I had to clear the whole houe, furniture as well. 

    When clearing mums things, I found I didnt know her quite as well as I though I did for she was far more sentimental than I had ever believed. Cards and little things I had made/given her over the years she had kept and several times I was moved to tears when I came across these items which obviously meant so much to her.So I am glad you are taking it slowly and that there are two of you doing it.

    Sending kind thoughts your way, Brian.