shelbc85 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 My dad passed away 5 months ago to the day from lung cancer. He was only 56 years old. He was my best friend, voice of reason and my rock. I am having such a hard time getting through this. I sometimes feel like I am the only one in the world feeling this way. I hope by connecting with people in my similar situation will not make me feel so alone. I miss my dad more than anything. I wish I could have one more moment with him. Shelby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ts Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Hi Shelby, I am sorry for your loss - how long did your Dad live with his cancer, if I may ask? My Mom, my best friend, died from lung cancer when she was 57. The first year without her was very difficult. I was prescribed some anti-depressants at first since I could not concentrate at work or get through the day without crying. Back then, I did not know enough to ask for a counselor to talk with - or to tell the doctor that I had stopped taking the drug cold turkey! What helped? About a month after my Mom died, I went to a family reunion of her side of the family. I met a bunch of relatives for the first time, people who knew her from childhood. They shared stories and gave me unconditional love. It was great. I'm still in touch with some of those people today though we live on either coast. You might look for a grief counseling group at your local hospital or health care center - some are open to people with no affiliation. Or Gilda's Clubs across the states have groups too. Your preference may be to go out under the night sky and talk to your Dad, or Randy's favorite is to buy a dozen eggs and take them out and throw them (hopefully not somewhere you will get in trouble.) It takes time to grieve. I also had a ring made out of one of my Mom's for me as a reminder - it stayed on my pinkie for at least three years and now resides in my jewelry box. I don't forget her, but I don't need the physical reminder anymore. Of course, that was half my life ago - 27 years already! Be kind to yourself - it does get better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbc85 Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 My dad lived for 9 months. In those 9 months he was able to walk me down the isle, which was the most wonderful day of my life. I have a photo/ornament hanging from my rearview mirror of him walking me down the isle. It makes me feel so close to him. I have received grief counseling, but I found it hard to talk to someone over and over again about the same problem when I felt she couldn't relate. I think maybe I should look into more group help, like you mentioned. I am also on antidepressants. They have helped tremendously, as I was not able to get through days and most nights without having obsessive thoughts of his passing, panic and depression. I am sorry to hear that your mom passed away. I hope as time passes that the pain will get "softer" as I know it will never fully go away (or right now I can't imagine it going away). It helps to hear that in time things will get better. Thank you so much for reaching out to me. It means the world to me!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annette Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I do not know the words to say to help you for I have never been in your position. I can only say how much everyone here supports one another and I understand that your sharing your feelings with those that have lost a parent or partner helps. Every tear makes the memories clearer and we just don't know how many tears it takes to be "easier." What is easier anyway - the most important thing to do is take care of yourself so you can remember the man you loved. Think about staying here - read some of the old posts from those that lost loved ones and realize that although you seem alone there are many here that would offer you a gentle hug and love to hear stories about your dad. Again, take care of yourself, Annette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joppette Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Hi Shelby, I know your pain. I lost both parents to cancer. My Mom had lung cancer. They both were young when they passed. The pain is still tender. It's good that you took advantage of grief counseling. We have a Gilda's Club here, and they were amazing in their support for me. This is a great place to come for support and help. Keep posting here and know that we care and will be there for you. Judy in MI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm really sorry I missed this. My mom was also 56. She was my rock and one of my best friends. I miss her every day. But you WILL get to a point where you will live your days without the intense sadness. I promise. I still miss mom with every fiber of my being, but it isn't crippling like it once was. I smile when I think of her now. And I feel she is with me always. Hang in there. We'll be here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Shelby, what a handsome man your Dad was. He was way too young to be taken by this beast. Hope you find comfort in knowing there are people here who have or are feeling like you do. You are not alone. Judy in KW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mouse5 Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 Shelby, You are not alone. My dad passed almost a month ago. I still can't believe he's gone. I just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.