The Complex Nature of Grieving the Loss of a Parent
For many of us, our parents are our original foothold in the world—the people who look out for us and keep us safe when we’re young. When a parent dies, you may experience the loss in a profound way, and the grief may be complex and intensely felt. At Moloney Family Funeral Homes, Inc , we help many of our neighbors in Bohemia , Center Moriches , and Long Island cope with the death of a parent.
If you’re new to this type of loss—whether you’re experiencing it yourself or know a loved one who is—we hope this insight on grieving the loss of a parent provides some solace and comfort.
Losing a parent can leave you feeling unmoored.
Our parents are our primary connection to the outside world, so losing them, no matter how old you are at the time, can be disorienting and devastating. When you’re grieving a parent, lean on your closest relationships like your partner/spouse, children, and siblings. Just because you are an adult and perhaps even a parent yourself doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grieve losing such a significant person. Taking care of your own well-being is important, as it’s easy to neglect self-care during times of intense grief.
Reflecting on your parent’s life can be an opportunity for healing.
It may be some days, weeks, or even months before you’re ready to reflect on who your parent was and all they meant to you. You may want to look over photos of your parent and other precious items that belonged to them. Doing so may help you feel closer to them in your grief. You may even start to feel more curious to learn more about what your parent meant to the other people in their life. Try speaking with those who knew them well like co-workers, classmates, or close friends and encourage them to share stories about your parent.
Memorializing them can help you connect.
Erecting a memorial in honor of your loved one provides a location that you and your family can visit for years to come. Remember that a memorial doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. It can be as simple as a corner of your home where you place photos and small items that remind you of your parent. The simple act of paying tribute to your parent will likely help you feel more connected to them.
We want area families to know that whether they lose a sibling, a parent, or a pet, they are not alone in their grief. We offer grief support and aftercare services like time spent with Kota, our grief therapy dog , to help you and your family navigate the difficulty of grief. Contact our team to find out more about our funeral and cremation services.
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