06/08/2025
When You Say Goodbye to a Parent
Suddenly, you find yourself living in an entirely new world.
You are no longer ‘the child,’ and no matter how many years you’ve been officially ‘grown up,’ you realize you never truly were until this moment. The shock of this realization can shake you to your core.
When you finally say farewell to both your parents—assuming you were fortunate enough to have had two—you become an orphan on this earth. And that feeling never, ever becomes easier, no matter how old you are or how many children you have.
You see, a part of your body is physically connected to the people who created it, and a part of your soul is intertwined with theirs. When they are no longer here, it’s as if something practical is missing—like a finger or an arm. Because, in truth, you are missing your parent, and that is something far more vital than any limb.
Yet, the connection remains so strong that somehow it persists—no one fully understands how. But they are still there. In some way, shape, or form, they continue to guide you if you listen carefully enough. You can hear the words they would have said.
You can feel the warmth of their approval, their smile when you reach a goal, their all-encompassing love filling the air when a new life is born—someone they have never met.
If you observe your children closely, you will notice that they, too, maintain a connection with your parents long after they are gone. They may say things that resonate deeply with you because they bring back memories of the parent you miss. They might carry traits, thoughts, or even appear in their dreams.
This is something beyond explanation.
Love is a mystical and wondrous force.
It’s far better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, and grief is the price we pay for that love. The deeper the love, the greater the grief.
When you say goodbye to a parent, remember to connect with that little girl or boy who still lives inside you somewhere.
Take good care of her or him, for they may feel alone and scared.
Losing your parents means losing a part of your identity, a place in the world. When those who brought you into this life are no longer here, everything changes.
Look after yourself as they looked after you, and listen for their guidance when you need it most.
They never truly leave.
