10 Things That Changed Me After the Death of a Parent
- My phone is never more than 1 foot away from me at bedtime, because the last time I did that I missed the call that my mother died.
- The very thought of my mother’s death, at times, made me physically ill for about six months after she died. I literally vomited.
- Their deaths have at times ripped the remainder of our family apart. I did my best to honor their wishes and sometimes that made me the bad guy. The burden of that was immense, but I understood why I was chosen. It made me stronger as a person, so for that I am grateful.
- I’m pissed that my son didn’t get to experience them as grandparents. I watched it five times before his birth and I feel robbed. He would have adored them and they him.
- I would not trade my time with them for anything, but sometimes I think it would have been easier had you died when I was very young. The memories would be less.
- Don’t bitch about your parents in front of me. You will get an earful about gratitude and appreciation. As a “Dead Parents Club” member, I would take your place in a heartbeat, so shut your mouth. Get some perspective on how truly fleeting life is.
- It’s like being a widow — a “club” you never wanted to join. Where do I return this unwanted membership, please?
- Other club members are really the only people who can truly understand what it does to a person. They just get it. There is no other way to explain it.
- Life does go on, but there will be times even years later, you will still break down like it happened yesterday.
- When you see your friends or even strangers with their mom or dad, you will sometimes be jealous. Envious of the lunch date they have. Downright pissed that your mom can’t plan your baby shower. Big life events are never ever the same again.