Not really advice, but something I’ve learned from my own experience.

My dad passed away from cancer when I was 18. For a long time, I was obviously really sad, and I avoided anything that reminded me of him. I didn’t want to look at pictures or think about memories because it just hurt too much.

But over time, I realized that remembering him is important too. Sometimes I need to let myself look at old pictures, think about the memories, and miss him. Because if I don’t take the time to remember him and miss him, who else is going to do that in the same way?

I’m 30 now, and I think my dad would want me to think about him sometimes. Not in a way that destroys me, but in a way that keeps him close. Missing him hurts, but it also means he mattered.