My father died Saturday and I miss him very much, how can deal with this great loss?

Question

My father died suddenly on Saturday. It was unexpected because I had just visited with him Friday evening and he seemed his normal self.
I had brought my father to Michigan from South Carolina to live closer to me. He was a disabled stroke victim and lived in an assisted living facility.
He seemed very sad over the last few months and I could tell that his desire to live was not very high. I know that he is in a better place because he had accepted Christ in his life.
He was my only relative in this state. I brought him up here to be closer to me and now suddenly he is gone. I miss him so much and am still in shock that he is gone. I really didn't see this one coming. Prayer has helped me carry on as well as the support of my church family and friends.
Is there anything more that I should be doing to help deal with my grieving period? I am all alone now and not exactly sure what I should do?

Answer 1

I will pray for you. It is hard to lose a parent. Just seek God. Maybe some in the church will help. May I suggest some friends on here.

Answer 2

Hi sweetie, I am so sorry to hear about your dad, i also lost my mum 8 months ago and I have been lost since then, she was my best friend apart from being my mum. The only comfort I have is that I know she is in a better place than we are. People grieve in many different ways. Right after my mums death I was very busy with the funeral and sorting all my mums things out and I went back to work really soon as I had been of work for a while cause my mum had been suffering from cancer and I spent all day and night with her but 3 months ago I had a full hysterectomy and being at home all this time has made me depressed thinking of my mum all day long. I knew my mum was dying and maybe I was more prepared for her death than you were of your fathers but sweetie I do know that they are better where they are and I am sure they are watching us from the beautiful kingdom of heaven. If you need to talk do not hesitate to email me. Good Luck and God Bless.

Answer 3

I'm really sorry to read that.... My mom died 10 years ago (when i was 6 years old) so I can't exactly relate to this, but the fact that my mom's not here with me still affects me everyday... if it's possible, go away for a little while. Sometimes a change of scenery can help when dealing with this, I know it helped when my grandma died last year. I went to stay with a friend for about a month. If you can't do that then just keep really busy, as busy as it takes to take your mind off of it. Also, keep in contact with family that isn't in-state... If this dosen't help maybe a theripist may be able to.... Good luck and I hope you can cope.... once again I'm sorry and *hugs*

Answer 4

I just went through the same thing. My father died on Dec 31st
(and also had been in a facility after minor strokes)

Support of the family and church are indispensible help. And in the long run,when the support starts to fade(and it will,after a time),prayer..communion with God on a daily or hourly basis is your best route in dealing with your loss. It is immpossible to heal all at once however, It will take time.

I will say a prayer for you and your loved ones. Praise God, that your dad gave his life to Jesus,at least there is comfort in knowing that you will be reunited some day.(and it will be for all of eternity)

Answer 5

Take time to grieve your father and I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May the Lord comfort you at this time. With the Lord we are never alone so be thankful for that. Take time each day to read the Word of God and let the Lord do His good work in you.

Answer 6

I am terribly sorry for your loss. It's hard when you are alone. Prayer is great but sometimes it's not enough. See if there are support groups in your area that deal with bereavement. Call Social Services, check with your church or check with your health insurance as they may actually have something like that. I know mine has all sorts of help with counseling of all kinds. Good luck to you. They say time heals all wounds.

Answer 7

You will go through a period of grief. Just sit through it. You'll be angry at times and sad at others and you will feel an awful sense of loss. Eventually, however, you'll begin to remember what it was that made your father the important figure that he was in your life and the man that you loved. When you begin to lose the sense of your own pain, and remember the joy his life brought you, you'll be well on your way to healing.

Take time every day to remember pleasant times you had with your father. It will help.

Answer 8

First of all, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I lost my father to stroke and my mother to Allsheimer. I am glad you were able to see your father just before his death...take the memory with you and cherish it. The dead are never truly dead if we remember them and think of them daily. There are many support groups for grieving relatives...if you go to church, I would suggest speaking with your clergyman regarding this, I am sure there are books he can recommend. Speak with your father, write in a journal or just speak to him outloud about your wishes, your plans, your pain...mourning is a natural and healing process, but it takes time. If you have made friends in your new home, now is time to gather them around you. If you have close relatives in other parts of the country...contact them also. The pain will pass with time, keep believing that. Prayer is always good, listen to your inner self, and it will speak to you with wisdom.

Answer 9

Your fathers struggle with this sin filled world is over. It sounds like you loved him very much. It is good to miss him. The love the two of you share helps you cope with the loss. Remember the good times that you shared and the smiles that you instilled in him. Also remember that you saw him just before he went home to be with God. He most probably thought of that before he went, giving him closure and peace in his final moments. Now that he is with God you should continue living you life. You father brought you into this world to live and give joy and companionship to others, don't stop living because he is gone.

Answer 10

I recently lost my mother unexpectedly also, so I know what you are going through. I did not stop myself from grieving, I went through the full nine yards. Prayer, good memories and love brought me through with time. I am not completely over her, but knowing that she is in a better place, comforted me the more. You will pull through, for this one too, shall come to pass. Love, be bless.