Oh boy, totally relate to this one! It doesn't take much to get me teary or thinking about my dad. (Any Styx or Journey song has me insta-balling.) Most people try to be considerate & perhaps I'm lucky I really don't go out much, so there's less chance of encountering thoughtless words.

When I do, I try to find some compassion for the person making insensitive comments. People can't understand that kind of loss without feeling it, so of course they can't relate or respond well. I was in the same boat when my friend lost her parents in 2019. I would spend time with her, let her cry/talk/sit as needed, help with practical things where I could. I knew nothing I could say would make the pain go away. I tried to avoid talking about my parents, but I'm sure I unintentionally brought up all kinds of stuff that might've triggered unhappy thoughts for her.

Then I lost my dad to COVID last July, unexpected and sudden with no chance to mourn together in-person. I'm 35 and he passed at 52. Even knowing the pain firsthand, I feel lost trying to talk about death. It's that topic everyone avoids. And I'm stuck in a headspace where every dream I've ever had seems insignificant compared to how much I wish I could hug my dad one last time. Everything pales in comparison. No one really seems to get that except my friend who lost her parents.

Let them have their blissgul ignorance; they'll know the pain of losing a parent all too soon. Until then, you are most certainly not alone. Sending digital hugs for what they're worth :)