I still can't believe I've reached this page

Dimelza

Registered User
May 28, 2013
130
0
I'm doing ok. Too well I think. Barely any tears, not much sadness. I've made all the arrangements for dads funeral. Chosen music, readings and photographs for the slideshow. Ordered floral tributes. Written my personal eulogy.

I wonder if the fact I'd given dad permission to go, and felt I was ready to let go, is helping.
I was more upset during the last months and weeks and days. The thought of never seeing it touching dad again is worse than the reality so far.

So I was going to go to work today but I've been surrounded by people for weeks. I can't recall the last time I was alone. So I'm going to do that today.

I may go sit with dad. We've asked for a closed casket, none of us need to see dad again. But I'd like to go talk to him.

I've managed to start eating a little again, and slowed down my alcohol consumption! I need a clear head.

I feel kind of robotic, like I'm on autopilot. And this scares me. Because when's it going to hit me?

Anyway. Here's my wonderful daddy. I'm going to miss this smile every day of my life. ImageUploadedByTalking Point1454291555.690051.jpg
 

Ellaroo

Registered User
Nov 16, 2015
161
0
Liverpool
Your dad looks lovely whenever this photo was taken.
Hes at peace now and kind wishes for you at his funeral. When my mum is ranting i wish she was dead, living in purgatory and when she is lucid I feel terrible for thinking it.
Your dad would be v proud of you , im sure xxxxx
 

Izzy

Volunteer Moderator
Aug 31, 2003
74,002
0
72
Dundee
What a wonderful photo and indeed a really lovely smile.

It's good you're going to take some time to yourself. Your arrangements for the funeral sound perfect.

Wishing you strength.
 

Grannie G

Volunteer Moderator
Apr 3, 2006
81,447
0
Kent
Hello Dimelza

So I was going to go to work today but I've been surrounded by people for weeks. I can't recall the last time I was alone. So I'm going to do that today.

It`s good to have some time alone, for reflection, for quietness, for solitude , for space. If you do go to sit with your dad, I hope it brings you comfort. I`m so glad I went to sit with my husband.

The photo of your dad shows a lovely face. :)
 

Quilty

Registered User
Aug 28, 2014
1,050
0
GLASGOW
Your dad looks like a lovely man. Your grief might hit you later when all the arrangements and the funeral are over and "normal" life starts again. After living with dementia its hard to remember what normal is. Be kind to yourself and try to allow yourself to grieve. You can look back and know you did your best and i am sure your dad is very proud of you.
 

Canadian Joanne

Registered User
Apr 8, 2005
17,710
0
70
Toronto, Canada
What a lovey photo and what a sweet smile. So kind and warm.

Don't worry about your reactions. Things will happen at their own pace for you. Crying is not necessarily an indicator of grief.

Your father is at peace now. Remember that you did the best you could and that he loved you.
 

LadyA

Registered User
Oct 19, 2009
13,730
0
Ireland
I couldn't believe I had reached the "dealing with loss" section either Dimelza. I think when the person has been ill so very long, and we know that they are dying - but it goes on so long - we just go into a sort of twilight life, where we subconsciously think it's going to go on like this forever. But of course, it doesn't.

Your arrangements sound perfect. And some time alone is essential. I had several of my husband's family staying with me from the day after his death until after the funeral. Kind as they were, time alone was desperately needed. It takes so much more concentration to focus on things, I found, that when others are around all the time, you just can't relax. Can't seem to find yourself.

Your grief will come in its own time. Probably not over the Big Loss of your dad - but over so many little losses, so many little things to miss. That is a lovely pic to have of your dad - he looks just as if he is smiling and waving at you rather than at the camera. Blessings to you at this time. xx
 

Dimelza

Registered User
May 28, 2013
130
0
Thank you all. It's one of my favourites.
I'm concerned though. I've barely shed a tear or felt anything since dad died.
People around are visibly upset but I'm just flat.
 

Kjn

Registered User
Jul 27, 2013
5,833
0
everyone is different , you will deal with this as you can.
Fil had his funeral last Friday , OH is dealing with this completely different to mil.(non dementia related)

That's a wonderful photo and one to treasure xx
 

Mal2

Registered User
Oct 14, 2014
2,968
0
Enfield
Thank you all. It's one of my favourites.
I'm concerned though. I've barely shed a tear or felt anything since dad died.
People around are visibly upset but I'm just flat.

My condolences, Dimelza. A lovey photo of your Dad, I'm sure it gives you some comfort.
We are all different in these circumstances. I did all the necessary arrangements thinking I was doing quite well. Then, as we arrived at the Cemetery, seeing all the people standing there waiting, was when it hit me.

You will deal with it in your own way. My thoughts are with you. M xxx :)
 

Dimelza

Registered User
May 28, 2013
130
0
Thanks mal2 and kjn.
Awake already but we are collected at 915 so I'm getting up soon to make sure I'm organised and one last run through of what I'm going to say.
My husband read it for me last night and even he shed a tear!
I wake up feeling like I've someone sitting on my chest but it just doesn't feel real.
 

tryingmybest

Registered User
May 22, 2015
638
0
Sending you hugs and strength for today. You have been the most wonderful caring daughter and of that you can be proud. Beautiful photo of your Dad. I will be thinking of you today. Xx
 

CeliaW

Registered User
Jan 29, 2009
5,643
0
Hampshire
Thinking of you today Dimelza, your Dad will know how the love and care you showed him through his life has continued through to all your thoughtful arrangements for today. Wishing you strength and sending a supportive hug. Take care xx
 

Chantilly

Registered User
Jan 29, 2016
8
0
Australia
Thank you all. It's one of my favourites.
I'm concerned though. I've barely shed a tear or felt anything since dad died.
People around are visibly upset but I'm just flat.

Hello, I am new here and have just lost my sister last Friday. Her funeral was yesterday and I couldn't believe how many tears I shed - it just poured out. Exactly 6 months ago my mother passed away and I hardly shed a tear at the time. I even went back to work the next day. In december I started to just get weird feelings out of the blue and get very sad and starting crying about Mum. I am saying this because it took me 4 months to actually feel the loss of her, but with my sister it was instant. My point is that we are all different and for someone unknown reason we don't react the way we think we will. Please don't feel you don't care because you haven't shed tears, it will come one day. Take care x
 

Scarlett123

Registered User
Apr 30, 2013
3,802
0
Essex
Everybody is different, and it doesn't make you any less of a person. It's what's in your heart that matters. Sorry to hear of yet another bereavement Chantilly, and thinking of you, Dimelza.
 

Shedrech

Registered User
Dec 15, 2012
12,649
0
UK
Hi Dimelza
I'm just thinking of you right now so thought I'd post to say just that
I hope today goes as you want it to

and your grief is yours - each of us feels and reacts in our own way - so however it is for you is right and proper

best wishes
 

fizzie

Registered User
Jul 20, 2011
2,725
0
Thinking of you Dimelza today xx
So sorry to hear of your loss too Chantilly. I lost my husband and my Mother in 15 months and I was the same as you , felt completely different things at different times xxx just have to go with the flow and not listen to what others think you should or shouldn't be thinking or feeling x