I lost my best friend, my Grampie.

Four years ago I lost the best friend any young boy could have, my Grampie. I lived with him and my nan weekend's and most weekday's. He took me everywere and taught me everything I know today. I have still been living with my nan at their house since his death but she suffers from dimentia, is bed bound and has full time carers. The house I made so many memories in now feels so empty and lonely.  When he died I thought I was ok and tried to accept that it was just part of life, loosing people. After the first year it got so much worse, I started to drink more and turned to drugs to try and mask the pain i feel every single day. I know this is wrong and that death is just a part of life but my Grandad was my whole life and now my world feels so empty without him. Nothing seems to matter to me other than trying to forget the pain and fill the gaping hole thats been left in my life. I am angry with myself and life in general. Today I took my first steps and I left a note for my mum and dad to read, explaining how I feel and telling them about the drink and drugs. It has come as a shock to them because on the outside I am loud. I try to mask my feelings and be the life and soul of the party, but the truth is, I have no soul left and feel like a deflated balloon that has shrivelled up.

  • Hi there ..

    Oh my you've got so much heartache going on ... but you've started by reaching out, that's a huge first step .. my sister is in late stage dementure so I know how hard that is... it's heartbraking to watch someone we love forget who we are .. 

    I don't think you grieved properly for your Grampie ... that's why you tried to cope with drink and drugs .. it blocks it out for a while, then that becomes the problem ... you can get it back .. you need councilling about your Grampie... and help with the drink / drug problems .. see your G P ... reach out to anyone .. 

    You can talk about your feelings on here .. just writting them down helps .. and writting to your parents , I think is amazingly brave .. I just hope they come through and give you the support you need ...

    Sending you a vertual hug....  Chrissie x

  • Hello Lukethomas29 and welcome to the forum. 

    I wanted to start by saying not only how sorry I am to hear about your Grampie but also to thank you for being brave enough to reach out for support. Your post here this evening is the 2nd step you've made today! 

    I know that your letter to your Mum and Dad has come as a shock to them but I'm hoping that they have been supportive. It will no doubt take some time for things to sink in. 

    From your post it sounds now as is making an appointment with your GP is the next step. Hopefully either your Mum or Dad will be able to go with you to give you some support. You GP will be able to refer you to the right services to get the help that you need. 

    Now that you've made the first steps in the right direction don't ever feel that you can't reach out for someone to talk to. The Samaritans are available 24-7 at the end of the phone line or online. They're there to listen. 

    Keep taking those small steps and I'm sure with the support of your family and GP you'll be able to get things back on track. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • thank you for your kind words and im sorry to hear about your sister  today was a  day i wanted it out and n the open. and reaching out today to my mum and dad and my  sister has helped no end also  reading some other stories on here  made me see how  there is others fighting this same horrible battle. my little sisters has been very supportive today  and has helped me to reach out on here  and also booke a gp appointment. just telling some one today felt like the sinking ship that has been my life since my  grampie has gone is slowly turning around

  • hello and thank you the letter to my mum and dad did come as a shock but they have been very supportive along with my sister  the hardest thing was the fact i didnt let them no about what was happening but now they no the are fully behind and want to help and also eing able to talk to people on here who have dealt with the same experiences  has been a moral boost heavly needed in my corner iw asnt happy what i have been doing but im just glad that its out and i can now finally start taking my life back

  • Hi ...

    So glad, your getting support ... hold on to it, as it's a long difficult road, when dealing with so much ... but think of it like climbing a mountain ... every step, gives you a better view (on life) just one step at a time ... and the further up you go, the clearer it looks .. and if you ever feel like giving up, just take a rest till you feel stronger and again one step at a time .. the view from the top is amazing .. and I bet your Grampie will be watching you every step of the way ... saying "that's my boy "   and he'll be so proud of you ..

    One step at a time ... Chrissie xx 

  • it is a long road yes and the support i am going to hold on to at all costs.  you have summed it very well because this is amountain i want to keep climbing i want the   beautiful view and the clean air  today was a new and fresh start for me and to be able to talk like this  is so reasuring so thank you x

  • Hi Luke...

    I've accepted your friend request .. go into your friends and message me there, and I can answer then ... Chrissie  x