by Dr. Neill Neill

The day after my last post, Parenting and Grieving , my son died. Richard slipped into a coma a few hours after our final goodbyes and died within a couple of days. Two days later we held a funeral service for him in his church as he wanted.

When it was all over, I desperately needed to be home, so I caught a flight the next day. Seven more days have passed.

The truth of what I said in my last post has hit home: 

"I am grieving the loss of my son. The trauma of losing a child of any age is a part  of parenting for which there is no preparation."

Since I have been home, my emotions have been all over the map: waves of sadness and grief, sometimes anger, sometimes guilt and sometimes thankfulness. I haven't felt well, and I seem to require an inordinate amount of sleep, although both of these are improving.

I am attending to self-care. People at the hospice have been great. Fellow healers have been there for me. Many of you have sent your prayers, and I appreciate your love.

I know I will get through this parent's worst  nightmare. Losing my son has certainly reminded me of my own mortality and deepened my appreciation for each day of life.

Copyright © Neill Neill. All rights reserved. Dr. Neill Neill maintains an active psychology and life-coaching practice on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. He is a member of the treatment team at Sunshine Coast Health Centre, a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility for men. He writes regular newspaper and magazine psychology articles on healing and self-improvement. His goal is to facilitate growth in human consciousness and increase the human store of hope, happiness and generosity of spirit.