This is my Dad, John Glenn. When people would ask if he was the “real” John Glenn, I love that he’d always answer “yes.” Even though he was never an astronaut, he was one of the kindest, quirkiest, most fun, and generous people I ever knew.
This year might be your first Father’s Day since losing your Dad, a beloved child or another important person in your life. Or maybe it’s been a while. Either way, I’m so very sorry for your deep loss.
Here are a few tips I hope might help this Father’s Day be a little better:
In the words of John Mayer, Say What You Need to Say As the weather starts to sizzle, you may be tempted to turn the AC to full blast and settle in for a little summer hibernation. While time alone is important, it’s easy to slip from healthy alone time to full on isolation.
After losing my mom, and then my dad a few short years later, my comfy safe place definitely became home, all by myself. Sadly, a steady diet of time alone can become a lonely place where you start believing the sneaky little voice whispering, “life will always be this painful,” or “nobody cares about you.” Don’t believe the lies!
It might be tough at first, but call someone. Let them know how you’re doing. Really. If you don’t have a friend, family or pastor close by, pray the Lord will send someone to walk alongside you. He sees you, and He loves you, and can connect you with people who understand what you’re going through.
Stir up Memories Since losing several of our finest family people, one of my favorite things about holidays has become telling and retelling their funny stories.
Did I mention my Dad was a free spirit… some might say a bit eccentric? Like the time he bought $1000 of black velvet “Elvis Art” from a street vendor, and tried to incorporate it into our living room design. I know Dad was just trying to help a brother out, but seriously? All I can say to that street art vendor is, “Thank you. Thank you very much.“
Another inspiring way to celebrate the person you’re missing is to invite friends on social media to share memories and photos. A fresh story or photo of your loved one is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
Be Still Tomorrow morning, rather than hitting the ground running, would you take a few moments to be still? What would it look like to wake up up fifteen minutes early, find a quiet cozy place away from the noise and distraction, and spend the first precious moments of your day with the Lord? If you’re new to early morning quiet times, the (free!) YouVersion app has thousands of excellent devotions available, including the Grief Survivor 8 day study.
I’m praying right now for the Lord to comfort you this Father’s Day as only He can.