My Dad felt guilt and couldn’t stand “making us” feel sad as we shared the journey of terminal cancer together.
This is in contrast to celebrating the love and celebrating him.
It is in grief that we realize the depth of that love.
It’s only natural, present and authentic to experience that grief together, in family and community.
It’s not a “bad” thing but a good thing; it’s the grief that shows how important he is to us.
Death comes for all of us and my Dad got to show all of us how to be a leader in death.
It is OK to fully feel that loss in remembrance of my father, to truly embrace it. But, as he would want, live our lives to the fullest. Laugh, spend time together, enjoy.
While we live, let us live.