Tahnee’s Profile

Close Bereavement
Type: Loss of a Parent

My father passed away in September (2007) shortly after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. At 69 he was extremely fit, sporty, healthy non-smoker, loved life, his family and had not long retired and was just beginning his travels with his partner. I miss my Dad terribly and just can't believe he has gone. I miss his laugh, smile, his love and great conversations.

Treatments

Crying Working / Worked

Grief comes like waves and I just stop, let the tears flow and breathe. I feel this is quite cleansing.

Grief Counseling Somewhat Helpful

I feel talking about my father helps me a lot. I think one or two visits with a grief counselor helped me.

Keeping Busy Working / Worked

Focusing on my family, friends, home and work have helped me get through. I know that Dad would not want me to be sorrowful all the time. He was a positive and active man and it would make him happy knowing that I was trying to be the same.

Prayer Working / Worked

I am so grateful that God spared my father from a long drawn out illness with this type of cancer. My faith has been like a warm blanket around me and keeps me going when some days I feel that I just can't move.

Reading Working / Worked

In the beginning I read a great book called "On Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler. This really helped me understand what my body and mind were going through. There are a lot of dog-eared pages and underlining!

Support from Friends & Family Working / Worked

Some of the friends that I thought would be there, were not. And then there were people who I did not expect to contact me, did. I think as time goes by and my friends know that talking about Dad helps me, have been really supportive. But I now have learnt to spend some time alone each day to feel my grief and to shed my tears. I think that works best for me.

Talking Working / Worked

Absolutely! See all the above!

Time Working / Worked

Though my Dad is never far from my mind, the littlest thing can bring back the most vivid memories. But even after this most shortest of times, I can wake up in the morning and Dad is not necessarily the first thing that comes into my mind. For me that is a great step from waking up with a pillow drenched with tears and not being able to think about anything else.

Close Mesothelioma

My wonderful Dad passed away in September 2007, less than six weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was such a fit and healthy man who looked years younger than his 69 years. I couldn't believe how quickly he lost weight and energy. In spite of it all, he remained so positive and we all believed that he would be around for awhile yet. I am still trying to come to terms with his passing away, I miss him so much.