Father's Day — Hope Again

Father’s Day & Grief

What do you do on Father’s Day, without your Father, fatherly figure, or the one that made you a Dad? It can feel like you are the only person in the world who can’t spend Father’s Day how you’d like to. Truthfully, there’s a whole community out there of young people feeling the very same way today. Understandably, that doesn’t make you miss your own loved one any less, but it can help you to feel less alone.

We wanted to share some tips with you on how you could best support yourself on the lead up to and on the day itself:

Write a letter to your loved one on all the things you wish you could share with them,
Write a letter to yourself as a reminder of how far you’ve come. Or, if you’re struggling in your grief, let it out, put it down onto a page,
Head over to our Noticeboard to find out what you can do or how you may be feeling on the lead up to the 19th June, here,
Make a memory box. Your box can include any letters you’ve written, photographs, your loved ones belongings.. anything you’d like to add. It’s comforting to have a memory box to go to when your grief feels heavier than usual,
Write a Father’s Day card or buy flowers to display as an act of remembrance,
Visit your loved ones grave, the place where their ashes were scattered or somewhere that mattered to you both,
Practice self-care - take time to do something for you. Grief is overwhelming and tiring. Take time to look after yourself and recharge,
Leave a loving tribute alongside a photo of your loved one on Cruse Bereavement Care’s ‘Yellow Hearts’ dedication page, here,
Switch off from social media. Sometimes, social media isn’t helpful on special days. However, it can help you to feel less alone. You’ll know what is best for you, but don’t hesitate to disconnect if needed,
Make arrangements to fill your day. Or, make no arrangements at all (do what feels right for you).
Check out our latest videos created by bereaved young people who have been supported by Cruse and wanted to share their advice in a bid to support others. This project ‘The Promise of Hope’ was created in partnership with Funeral Partners. Take a look: ‘The Promise of Hope’.

At the end of the day, there is no denying how difficult a special occasion like Father’s Day is without your Father/Fatherly figure or the one who made you a Dad, by your side. We hope that reading this post will help you feel less alone and that it will give you ways to help you cope. We really hope you feel your special ones love all around you more than ever today.

They are more of you than you know and with you forever in your heart.