“My father’s house stood shining hard and bright The branches and brambles tore my clothes and scratched my arms” B. Springsteen | Source: Photo by Dash Kadam on Unsplash

Did Your Father Die Too?

Father’s Day can feel like a spear in the heart to people who lost their fathers when they were young. You may still remember your dad through the adoring eyes of a child. You might feel the weight of all the life events that he missed and wish he had seen you grow into an adult. You might even have had to assume a role within your family which was painful and overwhelming. If this is you:

Spend some time reflecting on these questions:

As an adult, what tools do you continue to use that were taught to you by your father?

What was the best conversation you had with your dad?

If you could say anything to him right now, what would it be?

If you have no personal memory of Dad, what stories were told to you from others who knew him?

How did those stories impact you? Work, partnering, parenting

Remembering your father’s legacy this holiday, even if he was with you for too short a time, honors him. It completes something you lost and adjusted to in your way.