Experiencing Loss
As Grief Awareness Week (2nd to 8th December) comes to a close, it reminds us that loss is something we all experience at some point, yet each journey is deeply personal. I’ve felt that myself in the last three years after losing both my parents only a few months apart.
My mum died suddenly in October 2022, a moment that changed everything without warning. My dad passed away in February 2023 after a period of poor health. Even though we knew his health was fragile, losing them so close together was incredibly hard to navigate.
Some moments were emotionally overwhelming, especially the funerals. Yet the wake after my dad’s funeral brought a sense of comfort. There were stories, smiles and laughter about both my parents that reminded me of the warmth and love that shaped our family. It showed me that grief is not only about sadness but also about connection, memory and shared love and experiences.
Grief in Everyday Moments
One thing I’ve learned is that grief arrives in unexpected waves. A thought or memory can suddenly catch you off guard. When it does, I’ve found it helps to allow the emotion rather than fight it. If you need to cry, let yourself. It’s part of healing.
Support, Healing and the Practical Realities
My wife, my son and my dog have been an incredible source of love and support. We have supported each other through the difficult times but there have been funny times too when we remember things my parents used to say.
A couple of years ago, I attended The Bereavement Journey, a course a friend of mine shared online. It’s run by local churches but is not at all religious; it’s a safe space to share experiences and emotions with people who understand.
I felt out of place at first because some attendees had lost loved ones through difficult circumstances, while my parents were in their 80s. However, listening to others helped me see that grief is universal. You don’t have to have the same story to feel supported. Grief Awareness Week helps bring an uncomfortable subject into the open to help people move forward.
Alongside the emotional impact, losing a loved one also brings practical responsibilities. From funeral arrangements to probate, families often face unexpected costs and decisions during an already painful time. Going through this made me appreciate how helpful life insurance cover can be. It doesn’t remove the grief, but it can ease the financial pressure of meeting sudden costs at a moment when clear thinking feels impossible.
Today, I think about my parents when I choose to and smile at the memories. Grief has made me more empathetic, and if you’re grieving now, I hope you know this: you’re not alone. Support is out there when you’re ready, and there are ways to protect the people you love, both emotionally and practically.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk.