Hey Everyone,
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while then you’re aware that my father passed away. What you may not know is that today is the day he began his transition last year. Tomorrow is the actual day that he passed. I typed those words and immediately became overcome with sadness. I remember hearing about how people dealt with loss in different ways. I used to wonder how I would deal with it when the time came for me. It’s a realization I wish I never had to face. Nevertheless, my family and I have had to try our best to pick up the broken pieces. I can’t stress enough how difficult it is to find the strength to cope with loss. There are days when I feel completely numb, like I can’t feel anything at all. Then there are days when I feel like all of my emotions are going to cause me to explode. It’s the weirdest thing and I can’t explain it. If you’ve been there, then you know. Even after a year I still can’t fully grasp that he’s gone.
The best advice I can give those of you who are coping with loss is to stay close to your family. I say this a lot and I mean it…family is EVERYTHING. My family is far from perfect and we’ve had some really big, ugly blow ups. At the end of the day though, they are my support system. I know they have my back no matter what. It’s been comforting to know that all of us are going through the same thing as well. We all collectively miss our father. We also know that it’s up to us to take care of our mother now that he’s gone. We can never know the pain that she feels having lost her one and only love.
I’ve always been the type of person who is never without a camera. I’m so glad I never missed a chance to take pictures my father. If one picture is worth a thousand words, then my father and I have shared millions. Today I wanted to show some of my favorite pictures with him.
Here’s a little collage I put together:
If you’re coping with the loss of a loved one, don’t hold it in. Express your feelings with people you care about. Don’t be afraid to talk about the good times as well as the bad in remembrance of that person. It’s part of the healing process. Although the process is long and you’ll probably never fully heal, it’s important to keep on living. There are still great moments to be had.
I’d like to dedicate this post to my father and my family. We’re a wild and crazy bunch, but I wouldn’t trade any of you for the entire world.
What’s your advice for how to find the strength to cope with loss?
Until next time…
J'Chanet says
This is beautiful dedication to your father. The loss of a loved one is never easy but staying connected to family, friends and thinking about the wonderful moments you shared makes the pain easier to deal with.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Hi J’Chanet, thanks so much for your comment. You’re right, it’s not easy. You’re also right about staying close to my family and friends…it’s the only thing that has helped me.
Jacqueline Lynch says
Johnna, that is so beautiful I knew this day was coming and I wondered how I was gonna cope with it. It is so hard for me, I had him before any of you did… he walked with me in 8ft of snow to get me to the hospital to find out I had pneumonia. My love for him is unconditional, he knew me better than I know myself. Words can’t express my love…..and the memories I will always keep near my broken heart…..Love u
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Thank you Sis, I know exactly what you mean. I will forever be Daddy’s Little Girl and will never forget the story Auntie Helen told me about the time I caught meningitis. She said he never left my side the whole time I was in the hospital. Never even went home, and she said he held my hand the entire time. She said that was when he gave me my nickname. That’s the kind of father he was. He had such a fierce love for all of us.
Nicole Cannon says
It’s funny I should come across this blog today and read this particular post considering is coming up on the anniversary of the passing of my father, and I don’t know how I feel,or should I say I have an array of feelings. Like you said there are days that are tougher than others but we learn to cope.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Hi Nicole, apologies for the late response. Wow, it’s crazy that you found my post. I’m glad you did though and I really hope it helps to know that you’re not alone. Feel whatever you think you need to feel, that’s the best advice I can give you. No one can know what you’re going through. Thanks so much for your comment.