We all have to say goodbye to a loved one.

Death is part of life. As my dad ages (he is 95 yrs.) and dementia is slowly taking him away, I know saying goodbye forever is so close. A reality I have to face. As my heart aches, I know it is something I have to process.

Having so many fond memories and moments with my dad does in a way allow me to say goodbye with a smile on my face while there are tears in my eyes. I am filled with gratitude for the life my dad provided me. The love, the laughter, the security and even the conflict and tears.

Not everyone has the chance to be left with so many fond memories, and grieving loss can often open up wounds of rejection and longing. A longing for what you wanted but never had. A longing for what you dreamt about which was stolen way to early.

Allowing yourself to recognise these feelings of hurt and loneliness is the first step in healing the past and the future. Acknowledge your pain and begin to process the loss so you can reclaim “you” back and with it your power and the feeling of being whole. This is something embodying Choice Theory has taught me, which I am so grateful for. The process of saying goodbye to my dad, my father, my teacher, my support, my rock has definitely been a time filled with love and acceptance rather than anxiety and emptiness

Published by: Bec Lane