Father’s Day Grief

Father’s Day is this weekend and I have to say, I’m not looking forward to it. Father’s Day has been tough for me since my Mom died. If you’ve been following the Project on Instagram, I posted a video about my complicated feelings towards Father’s Day and it definitely resonated with so many people. I was really validating for me to share my experience because having complicated feelings about Father’s Day, and sharing publicly that my father and I are estranged, is a first for me. And I’ve felt guilty for many years for not being able to repair a relationship with my Dad that isn’t repairable. It’s only been in the last few months that I’ve realized how broken that relationship actually is. Father’s Day is also the day before my Mom’s death anniversary on June 17th. So, yes, it’s going to be a tough weekend. In talking to my therapist this week, she suggested that I do something kind for myself on Sunday, to take care of myself and try to reclaim the day. I also want to honour my Mom as well.

I think many motherless daughters have strained relationships with their fathers. And others have wonderful relationships with their dads. Either way, I hope you take care of yourself. I’m going to give myself some grace on Sunday, and I hope you give yourself grace too.

x Janet