My Experience: Psychologist Dr. Neill Neill maintains an active psychology and life-coaching practice on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. He focuses on self growth, healthy relationships and life enhancement after addictions. He is the author of Living with a Functioning Alcoholic - A Woman’s Survival Guide . Get his free report on "Personal Change." You will receive by email each new article he writes. Copyright © Neill Neill. All rights reserved.
Description:
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.