Father’s Day Without Dad: How to Cope with Grief on Father's Day
Father’s Day is celebrated around the world, often with small family gatherings and the giving of gifts. While this can be heartwarming for many, it can also be an emotionally charged time for those like myself, who are navigating the loss of a parent. As an online grief counselling professional at Adventuring Loss, I’ve come to understand deeply what it's like to face Father's Day without a father.
My own father passed away when I was young, and though Father's Day wasn't a major event in our household, the absence has grown more poignant over time. I remember my father would assemble an Amazon wish list of DIY tools he needed, and though we lived far apart, a phone call on this day was our little tradition. I never thought about him not being here and then one day he wasn’t. I now realize the quiet impact of his absence. Acceptance is a hard thing in this process. I struggled to accept my dad’s death for a long time. For many years the grief was very present in my every day life. The sadness, the anger would show up at the worst moments.
A friend of mine, who recently lost his father, shared his feelings with me as he approached his first Father’s Day without him. Despite years of preparing for the inevitable due to his father's prolonged illness, the reality brings both relief and a unique sorrow. He finds solace in speaking of his father daily, keeping his memory vibrant within his family. This sharing is a critical part of the healing process—something we emphasize in our approach to coping with grief on Father’s Day.
The relentless advertisements showing joyful family reunions can be stark reminders for those of us without that option. For anyone dreading the upcoming Father’s Day, here are some thoughts: if you have a father, cherish the time with him. Not everyone has a positive relationship with their father, and that’s okay.
For those who are fatherless or estranged, consider making the day your own. Celebrate the life and lessons of your father if that brings you comfort, or simply treat yourself to a day of self-care. We offer a free grief and loss workbook which helps you identify and process emotions.
Here are 3 Tips for Managing Grief This Father’s Day
1) Create a Personal Ritual: Celebrating your father's life or creating a new tradition can provide a meaningful way to cope. Talk about your Dad or do something that you used to love doing together.
2) Engage in Self-Care: Whether it’s watching a favourite movie or enjoying comfort food, make the day about taking care of yourself. Treat yourself!
3) Talk About Your Loved One: At Adventuring Loss, we believe in the power of speaking about lost loved ones. Discussing memories can be a powerful tool for processing grief.
As we approach Father’s Day, remember that it's okay to experience a mix of emotions. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes, and know that at Adventuring Loss, we are here to support you through online grief counselling. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a father or another form of grief, reach out to us. Let’s navigate these emotions together.
At Adventuring Loss, we believe in meeting you where you are in your grief journey, offering support and understanding without expectation or pressure. If you’re struggling feelings of grief this Father’s Day, let us be your support.
Our online grief counsellors in Vancouver offer virtual therapy across Canada. Book a complimentary 15-minute call to find the right support for you!
Reach out today and take the first step towards healing with a team that truly understands.
Written by: Ben Blackman
Ben is a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC-C). He works with clients to address all aspects of grief and loss, depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, neglect, stress, self-esteem and identity, and relationship problems.
His go-to modalities are CBT, Narrative therapy and Existential Therapy. He works with my clients to build the tools and self-understanding they need to thrive.
He's currently accepting clients on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
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