How Do You Cope With The Sudden Death Of A Parent?
While the death of a friend or loved one is always difficult, the sudden, unexpected death of a parent or guardian can be especially traumatic. I have compiled this how-to from personal experience. Here are six simple steps that you can take to honor and remember your parent, while slowly picking up and putting together the pieces of your life. BE HONEST. If you feel angry, accept that. If you feel like screaming, do it. If you feel guilty, it’s ok. You have just experienced a major trauma. I compare it to being hit by a semi truck over and over again. Before any coping or healing can occur, you absolutely must FEEL each emotion. Without judgement, allow yourself to experience each emotion PROTECT YOURSELF. If you are responsible for making arrangements, you will find that this will take even more emotional effort. Get a close friend to help with the arrangements, field phone calls and visitors. Your parent just died, you do not have to play host/hostess. Limit the amount of informatio
