What's on Your Mind

[IanSaysHi]

I just found out my dad died, he had a stroke last year and was showing signs of dementia. I keep thinking I should have done more to be there for him, I kept saying I would visit him at least once a month, more after he cut his phones off bc of paranoia. I feel like I could have saved him like part of it is my fault

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you may feel like you should have done more and I obviously don’t know the full picture but where strokes and dementia are concerned I am not sure if there would have been any more you could have done. I am not sure about your relationship but I’m sure/I’d hope he wouldn’t want you feeling like this. I’ve yet to experience this kind of grief and can only imagine what it’s like. However as with all pain and sadness (and I know it’s hard) I urge you to keep talking to others as much as possible and try not to spend too much time alone in your thoughts. Deal with the raw grief first and give yourself time to process your loss - it will take just getting through each day - before dealing with any residual guilt you may feel. If you still feel guilty after a few months maybe look at ways you can help mend this, whether it’s helping a charity that deals with strokes or dementia or something else. But the big focus right now is to just deal with the raw grief and please keep talking to people. Sending my thoughts, Ian