As we approach Father’s Day, we are reminded of loved ones who are no longer with us. Whether you’ve lost a child or a significant father figure in your life, Father’s Day is a time to cherish those memories we hold dear. Sadly, it can also be a day tinged with grief and sadness, where […]
As we approach Father’s Day, we are reminded of loved ones who are no longer with us. Whether you’ve lost a child or a significant father figure in your life, Father’s Day is a time to cherish those memories we hold dear. Sadly, it can also be a day tinged with grief and sadness, where even the smallest things serve as reminders of those who are no longer with us.
If you’re attempting to come to terms with a loss this Father’s Day or want to try and work through some complicated thoughts and feelings, you might find writing a letter helps with the grieving process. Writing a letter isn’t easy, so we’ve got some tips and advice on how to approach it, along with some ideas on things you might want to include.
Before you put pen to paper, you’ll benefit from finding a quiet, comfortable spot to write in where you won’t be distracted or interrupted. To help with the writing process, you might want to change into your comfiest clothes, brew yourself a cup of tea and throw on a blanket to keep you warm – anything that makes you feel relaxed.
You might also want to place a photo of your father or father figure nearby to help remind yourself of why you’re writing the letter. Have some tissues to hand, too, as letter writing can be an emotional experience.
You could craft your letter using your laptop, computer, or smartphone, but you’ll find using a nice pen or pencil and a notebook creates a much more personal experience and helps you connect more closely to the words. Gel or ballpoint pens are designed to glide across the paper, producing a smooth and pleasant writing experience.
Your letter is your opportunity to reflect on precious memories and keep your loved one’s spirit alive. It’s also your chance to say goodbye. The best advice we have is to let the words come naturally. Try not to force your thoughts or overthink the content. It might take you a while to get started, but once you do, you might find the words come easier than you think.
Here are some things you might want to include:
If it feels right, remember to include a goodbye at the end of the letter. This won’t be easy, but it may help to give you closure. Saying goodbye can also be cathartic, giving you space to start moving on with your life.
Your goodbye doesn’t need to be definitive. Your message could be something as simple as “I’ll see you soon” or “Until we meet again”. Dr. Suess famously wrote, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Many people take comfort from this sentiment – perhaps you will, too.
Once you’ve written your letter, you’ll need to decide what to do with it. You might want to put it in a special memory box related to your loved one. Or you could seal it in an envelope and keep it somewhere safe. If you’re writing the letter before the funeral, you may want to speak to your funeral director about leaving it with your loved one. They’ll be more than happy to accommodate your wishes as best they can.
Whatever you decide, make sure you do what feels right. Your instincts will guide you if you don’t have the answer straight away.
In honour of your father or father figure’s enduring presence in our lives, we welcome you to join us for our special Father’s Day event, where you will have the opportunity to remember and reflect, light a candle and tie a memorial heart on our remembrance tree.
Everyone is welcome! Find your nearest Father’s Day Remembrance event here.
