Give yourself permission to rest, to feel, to heal. Your life still holds value and purpose, and although the pain is real, your parents would want you to keep living, dreaming, and finding joy again.
You Never Truly “Get Over” It
One of the hardest truths is that you don’t completely get over losing a parent. That absence stays with you, even decades later. But you do grow around the loss. You learn, adapt, and slowly rebuild a life that can hold both grief and joy.
Death may simply be the next great adventure—one we will all take in our own time. Until then, make the most of the time you’re given. Create new stories, explore new places, and live in a way that would make your parents proud.
You’ll Feel Insecure
Seeing others with their parents—laughing, arguing, taking pictures, or celebrating milestones—can stir up a mix of emotions: sadness, jealousy, even anger. It’s a natural response to loss.
Instead of holding on to bitterness, try gently reminding others to cherish the time they have. A simple phone call, a visit, a handwritten note—these small connections turn into powerful memories, and many people forget that until it’s too late.
You’ll Regret Certain Things
Regret is almost unavoidable. You may replay moments, wish you had visited more, or ache for the trip you always talked about but never took. But in the grand scheme of their love for you, these regrets are small.
Your parents wouldn’t be dwelling on what didn’t happen. They’d be remembering the moments that did—the laughter, the hugs, the holidays, and the shared stories. Lean into those memories. Let them bring you peace.
