Looking after my dad after my mum died?

FormerMember
FormerMember
  • 1 reply
  • 7 subscribers
  • 1920 views

My mum died three weeks ago from Liver Cancer aged 60. She had been fighting it for almost 20 years on and off but eventually they ran out of options and we lost her within a week of them finally stopping treatment. I still haven't been able to fully accept what has happened, I go to pick up the phone and have to catch myself before I call her. I turned 30 last month and can't even begin to imagine not having a mum ever again.  

I had to return to Leeds where I work last week, but have had to leave my dad behind in Wales where he now lives on his own. They have always been a unit, a twosome whose whole lives revolved around one another. But now I am so worried about him and how he is doing. He's very matter of fact and a farmer so has never been great at sharing his feelings, but I know he feels even more lost than I do? 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I’m very sorry you lost your Mum. It’s breathtaking to realise you can’t just pick up the phone and not be able to speak to her again - you never get used to a world without your Mum, but you become resigned to certain things like that after a while. It’s a totally new way of thinking and takes a long time to comprehend, but you will find a way to live again in time. 

    Your Dad may still be in shock about everything and unable to talk about his feelings? All you can really do is assure him you are there for him and can speak anytime. Does he have any other family or friends in wales who could pop in from time to time to check he’s looking after himself and offer moral support? I hope you have people who can support you away from your Dad? Please keep talking here if you need to x