Losing a parent is tough, but losing both is a whole other ball game. Dealing with the loss of both parents can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed with emotions.
In our latest podcast episode, we talked to the amazing Cat McMillan about her journey through losing both her parents within a span of four years. Cat was just 19 when she lost her mom, and then at 23, she lost her dad. Now in her 30s, Cat is raising a little girl of her own while dealing with new waves of grief that come with becoming a mom without one or both of your parents.
Cat's journey through grief is a powerful reminder of how complex and deep emotions can be when you lose both parents so close together. The grief from one parent almost compounds into the next, leaving you feeling utterly defeated. Throughout her journey, we were struck by how Cat found solace in journaling, which helped her ground herself after each loss. There's no wrong way to grieve, but we're proud of Cat for taking that slice of self-care.
At TGMC, we're all about "Feel You Feels," so if journaling isn't your thing, there are other helpful ways to work through your loss after losing a parent. Here are some tips:
Allow yourself to grieve: Let your emotions out and don't suppress your feelings. Feel your Feels!
Seek support: Reach out to family, friends, or a therapist for support. Don't be afraid to join a support group either. We'll always suggest seeing a therapist because there's no such thing as "too late" to start therapy.
Take care of yourself: Grief can take a toll on both your physical and emotional health, so make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and engage in self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Self-care is never selfish, especially on a grief journey. Periodt.
Find ways to honor your parents: Celebrating your parents' life and legacy can be a powerful way to find comfort and healing. You can create a ritual or tradition that honors them or share stories with your children about their Angel Grandparents. It doesn't have to be a daunting task.
Be patient and kind to yourself: Healing takes time, so don't push yourself too hard. Remember that it's okay to take things one day at a time and be kind to yourself.
Dealing with the loss of both parents is a difficult journey, but remember that you're not alone, and there are ways to work through your emotions. Just remember to "Feel You Feels" and take care of yourself along the way.
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