Saying goodbye to a loved one

As I sit here tonight, reflecting and waiting for my father to pass, I'm struck by the reality of what is to come.

Grief feels so elusive; I find myself caught between acceptance and denial. I've done so much work on myself the last few years that I feel prepared to sit with reality and face whatever life throws at me.

Yet, the situation weighs heavily on my heart. I have a mother battling advanced dementia, a woman who can no longer grasp the meaning of time or remember the names of her granddaughters—or, at times, even mine.

It's a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the way our connections can fade. In these moments, I find myself navigating this complex landscape of emotions, trying to hold onto the love and memories while bracing for the loss ahead.

And yet, despite everything, I am genuinely thankful for the life I have. It’s a roller coaster of highs and lows, where emotions often trump logic in ways I never anticipated. In this journey, I find that feelings can be both overwhelming and beautiful, pulling me into depths of sorrow while simultaneously lifting me into moments of profound gratitude.

When I reflect on my father’s life and the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye, my heart aches, yet I cherish the unique and odd bond we had.
It's in these moments of emotional turbulence that I realize how deeply connected I am to my loved ones, even as I grapple with their losses.

And even amidst the pain, there are flickers of joy and gratitude that make this life profoundly rich and meaningful.

If you still have a mother or father in your life, even if your relationship has been strained or you haven’t spoken in a while, I urge you to set aside those differences. Reach out and let them know how much you care. Life is fragile, and it's the bonds of love that truly matter. Don't wait for the opportunity to pass—let them hear your feelings while you still can.