Today can be hard and complicated. May this be a gentle reminder to send love to those who may be having a Not-So-Happy Father's Day.
And for those who are having a hard day - those who've experienced the death of a father, child, or father figure, those who don't know or have a complex relationship with their fathers, those who yearn to be fathers, and everyone in between - we see you. Though a piece of your heart is missing, you are still a son or daughter, or father.
There is no right or wrong way to take on today or any holiday. Celebrate if you choose to. Sharing memories, storytelling, or participating in a favorite activity could be a beneficial and positive experience. Another way to handle things is to do nothing at all or spend the day doing things that meet and support your needs. Feel free to say "no" and to pass on family or social gatherings.
How you choose to approach Father's Day is as unique as grief and your relationship with the person who died. Allow yourself to be creative in figuring out what feels best, and take note of what doesn't feel good. Knowing what doesn't work for you is helpful, too.
Here are a few resources that may be helpful to those who are grieving, and the people who care about them.
Grief Resources for Kids | Dougy Center - free activity ideas for children of all ages.
Father's Day and Grief - Dougy Center
Help for Your Father's Day Grief - Whats your Grief
How to Say ‘Happy Father’s Day’ 2022 to a Grieving Dad | Cake Blog (joincake.com)
Father's Day Grief: When Sadness Meets Storytelling (whatsyourgrief.com)
