[@totty22]‍ I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad at such a young age. It must be an incredibly difficult time for you. Just know that everything you're feeling right now is valid.

I can empathise with how you're feeling as I lost my Dad when he was 52 and I was 15. The pain of knowing the most important man in your life won't be there by your side to see all your achievements throughout your life is one that no one can prepare you for. But your Dad lives on in you and the precious memories you have of him. Keep him alive by talking about him often. Many of the friends I have now never got the pleasure of meeting my Dad but they tell me that they feel like they know him from the stories I tell and the photos I show. It's a cliche, but it is true that your grief will become less of a burden as time goes on and you will eventually be able to think about your lovely dad without getting upset.

It may seem like you're the only one hurting right now as everyone grieves in their own way. Have you thought about bereavement counselling? Often it's hard to talk to our loved ones about our grief as we want to pretend we're ok for them but speaking to a counsellor allows us to express exactly how we're feeling, without holding back. Counselling has been a life raft for me and I definitely recommend it if you're feeling overwhelmed by your grief.

Please be kind to yourself and keep allowing those emotions to come out. Take one day at a time.

Sending virtual hugs xx