Let’s talk about grief
with Real People
Answers from Jon E.
Learning to live with losing their Father.
Who did you lose?
Father
How old were they?
67
How long have you been grieving?
31 years
What's your fondest memory of the person you lost?
Sitting in his lorry.
What emotions did you feel within your first year of grief?
I was 10 years old. My dad was my best friend and I felt lost without him. I found myself feeling extreme sadness at any time of the day without any warning.
I felt like some days I didn’t want to leave my home but also at the same time didn’t want to be at home because he wasn’t there anymore and our house didn’t feel like home without him.
I was so angry all the time, especially with my mum. She moved on so quickly! She had a new partner before my dad was even buried. That’s still something that hurts me today.
How do you prefer people to comfort/mention it?
I love to talk about them and keep their memory alive and I just like carrying on as normal
Jon’s message to anyone struggling with grief
What you’re feeling is normal. Do what makes you happier but don’t shut people out.
You’ll need help at some point and if you push people away you’ll have no one there to help you.
Cry. Don’t be afraid to cry. I still cry after 30 years.