When a parent passes, there’s a lot of emotional turmoil that bubbles beneath the surface. You may have had unresolved issues (don’t we all with our parents) but now is not the time to try to resolve them.

Tempting as it may be to hold on to all their possessions so as to keep as much of their memory alive as possible, it’s not a good idea. Individual, meaningful items – a watch, necklace, or particular suit (dry cleaned) – will act as a piece of memorabilia just perfectly.

Try not to get involved in what relationships might have developed with other family members. If there was a falling out between others and your parent, it’s up to them to come to terms with that situation. Maybe your brother or sister held some kind of resentment towards your parent, but unless they come looking to you for some kind of solace, it’s none of your business. Continue reading →

It may come as a surprise to new pet owners that the grief they experience at the passing of their pet matches that for a friend or relative.

The experience is intensified if you and your pet (usually a dog or a cat) have shared a history of nurturing or companionship where there would otherwise have been none.

Unfortunately, the loss of your pet may be a cause for guilt as much as grief if you had to have them put to sleep or couldn’t afford a necessary surgical procedure. The guilt can add to your burden and cause a guilt-grief cycle that becomes more difficult to recover from.

Don’t buy another pet to fill the void. Try to fill your time with meaningful activity, such as helping out at a pet welfare center or help a friend walk their dog at a time that helps them function better. Continue reading →