Grieving the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. When the loved one is your child, the loss is often even more intensely felt. If you’ve lost a child, Father’s Day and the days leading up to the holiday can be especially tough. Here at Krause Funeral Home, our compassionate staff supports families and individuals at various stages of their grief journeys. We want all our neighbors in Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Brookfield to know that they are not alone in their grief. If you’re grieving the loss of a child on Father’s Day, here are some tips we hope will help ease the pain you’re feeling.
Let yourself remember your child.
Not a day goes by that you don’t think about your child. Rather than trying to ignore these feelings or brush past them, give yourself time and space to acknowledge them fully. The memory of the child you’ve lost will likely remain with you for years. If you feel the desire to acknowledge your child’s memory by visiting a place the two of you used to go together or eating their favorite food, let yourself do these things. You may be surprised how much closer to them you feel afterward.
Get outside when you can.
Fresh air and sunshine can do amazing things for the mood. On days you’re struggling with grief and missing your child, get outside if the weather permits. Even if it’s just a quick walk on a nature trail or around your neighborhood, moving your body outdoors will likely get you breathing deeper and boost your mood.
Share your feelings with someone you trust.
Grief feels less heavy when it’s shared. Revealing your feelings to someone you trust can help you feel less lonely and isolated. Whether this person is your therapist or a close friend, let them know how you feel during this difficult season.
Embrace new traditions.
An intense period of grieving can leave us feeling depleted of energy, both physical and emotional. Give yourself time to slowly get back into the swing of things—your daily responsibilities and routines. Starting a new tradition or activity can help energize you as your deep feelings of grief subside. Perhaps it’s as simple as meeting a friend out for coffee once a week or attending a regular class at your local gym.
Remember that you are still a father.
Father’s Day will always be a special day for you, whether or not your child is still with you. Be proud of the strong relationship you shared with them, however long it lasted. Cherish the special people in your life and make time to spend with them.
Everyone’s grief journey is unique. If you feel you need grief support, contact our staff today. We are here for you 24/7. Learn more about grief services on our website and Bennie, our grief therapy dog.