Lifestyle

Good Grief! Surviving The Loss of a Parent

On March 2, 2015 [two years ago today] Dad departed this life for the eternal country club in the sky. We trust it’s divine, because members move heaven and earth to get there. Make the cut, and you’ll find yourself on a fairway to heaven. Stockpile your divots and you’ll find yourself halfway to hell.

When you lose a parent, life as you know it is forever changed. It leaves an indelible hole, but grief is the price we pay for love. Heartache is different for everyone, however, here are the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

1. A piece of your security blanket, safety net, and parachute vanishes into thin air.

2. The family dynamic changes when you lose the foundation.

3. When you lose a loved one in a family of four, a quarter of your heart is surgically removed.

4. One of us lost her way, one of us got fiercely angry. After two years, we’re just starting to get our heads on straight.

5. The raw anguish is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. It will bring you to your knees.

6. Birthdays, special holidays, and the death anniversary loom over you.

7. You are reminded of your own mortality, and the indignity of getting older.

8. If you’ve only lost one parent, the fear of losing the other intensifies.

9. No matter what your age, losing both parents makes you an orphan.

10. You worry about how bruised your own children will be when our time is up.

11. You pretend you’re semi-normal even when it’s the farthest thing from the truth.

12. You have to make a conscience decision to move forward.

13. For every level of grief, there is a tier of joy.

14. You imagine that if you ‘pass go’ at the pearly gates, the rest of the ride is heavenly.

15. Try not to leave anything unsaid to your parents. There is never enough time.

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  1. loretta Gotmy

    Thanks Ladies for always Being so real
    My heart goes out to you on this anniversary. My mom passed away 10 years ago and it really never gets easy.
    Sharing your journey and your experiences with the inevitable endear me to you even more ❤❤

    • Sangria Sisters

      It’s cathartic to write down my feelings. I’m lousy at expressing it out loud! Thinking of you and your Mom, Loretta!

  2. Karen

    Lovely. Now I see where you girls get your delicate ankles.

    • Sangria Sisters

      Haha! It’s a mystery how these little twigs can carry around my boobs!

  3. Bonnie Sikstrom

    Much love going out to you both (and your mom). I can’t believe my dad is gone 14 years…and I can truly say there isn’t many days when I don’t have some reminder of him or wish we had had a few more “moments”. Big hugs my friends…we will always be daddy’s little girls no matter how many years old we are!

    • Sangria Sisters

      Fourteen years is a long time when you consider how much has happened since. Hugs to you my friend!

  4. James Pearce

    I know the feelings and feel for you. Normally leave these posts laughing and smiling…must be dust or something got into my eyes with this one. Take care.

    • Sangria Sisters

      Your Dad was such a beauty James! We will always remember his antics!

  5. Bonnie

    Hugs to you girls! Couldn’t agree more ❤

    • Sangria Sisters

      You handled your loss with such grace Bonnie. I’ll always be impressed with that!

  6. norma Johnston

    Thanks Girls and that means you too Sheila for sharing your process.
    Many Blessings ❤❤

    • Sangria Sisters

      Thanks Norma! Mom’s actually in town with us, and we’re having a lovely time.

  7. Lesa

    Great article and as you know very fitting for our family right now. So great running into you today! Thanks for the hug, the chat, and the story!

  8. Tammi

    Thinking of you both … it’s hard to believe 2 years … it will be 6 for me on Saturday … ❤️❤️❤️

  9. Dawn Pighin

    So very fitting my friends. I know that feeling very well, mom has been gone for 34 years, wow thats just crazy. I think of her all the time and very glad i had my time with her while she was in the hospital. My heart will always have that little part taken away from me. Love u two xoxo Give your mom hugs and kisses.

    • Sangria Sisters

      Wow, 34 years. That was simply too soon! That’s probably why you’re a mother to so many!

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