Losing a parent - gone but not forgotten

It is only normal to feel anxious, depressed and on edge, and in total disarray when you lose someone as important as a parent. Your whole life this person has had your back, taken care of you, seen you often at your most vulnerable, watched a lot of your firsts. Yes it's downright terrifying when that familiarity is gone from the earth.

But not gone from your heart. The memories will stay, and they will be intense at first and coloured with grief and anger... perhaps with guilt? (Not spending enough time together etc.). But that's okay. After a while, and this can take years, that layer of sadness is worn down, like a rock that has been touched too much. The surface is smooth and you can now hold the memories and feel their warmth, you might more often see yourself comparing yourself to your parent - seek familiarity- to perhaps see parts of them again when you look in to the mirror. That is grief and coping with it. Realising someone might be physically gone, but mentally they're still there- in your head and heart.

(I have personally not lost a parent but I have lost my grandmother who was like a mother to me. For all of those who've lost a (grand)parent, or even another loved one, I hear you and see your struggles and acknowledge and applaud your ways of trying to cope. Offering you warm hugs and all the strength in the world).