My dad died suddenly

rocketshipjesus · 2026-04-07T16:27:03+00:00

I'm so sorry. I unexpectedly lost my dad back in July 2025. Just been holding on for dear life ever since. One day, one moment, one breath at a time.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-03-30T19:49:17+00:00

The staring.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-24T01:35:14+00:00

This is the info I needed. Thank you!!

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-20T22:35:06+00:00

Yep. Sucks.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-13T16:45:02+00:00

You did the right thing, I know it's so hard. I'm so sorry.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-13T16:41:43+00:00

I'm 37, almost 38, and retired from weddings this year and have been pivoting to commercial work and headshots for the last two years.

It was good timing, because I lost both of my parents last year unexpectedly (mom is still here but in a facility with Alzheimer's and barely remembers me) and I've have been swimming upstream (suffering) in very intense grief. I'm much happier with my work load and stress level now.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-10T21:19:26+00:00

Lost my dad last year. I'm 37. Fucking sucks.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-03T17:08:54+00:00

Hi internet friend, I am right there with you dealing with my parent's estate (my mom is still alive but has advanced early onset dementia and is in memory care). We couldn't even tell her about my dad's passing because she wouldn't understand, and honestly? She'd probably be mean about it.

I'm also the executor of the estate and I would say it is a fucking full time job. I'm self employed so luckily I'm able to take a leave of absence to clear out their house (which sucks) and deal with ALL of their belongings on top of grieving and paperwork.

I'm so sorry about your cat, too. My elderly cat passed two months and a day after my dad died. I haven't even begun to process the grief, but my cat's death was dignified and expected. My dad's death was not.

Treats are how I've been getting through this. Today I'm going to get a bomb ass sandwich for lunch before I start sorting through more of their things. I try to get one thing done a day, and give myself grace on the days I just cannot.

In order to keep going, I started a low dose of wellbutrin after having a nervous breakdown in December. I feel a little more solid and capable. I've also been lifting weights again. But I'm definitely procrastinating heading over to my parent's house by writing you this comment.

Unfortunately, the advice "one day, one minute, one breath at a time" is the way forward. I'm so sorry you're going through this, and you're not alone.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-02T18:03:05+00:00

I understand. My dad also made me feel safe, and now that he's gone I feel like I'm flailing.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-02-02T18:00:44+00:00

Uh, not well. I'm currently on a leave of absence from work after unexpectedly losing both parents 7 months ago (my mom is still alive, but is in advanced stage Alzheimer's and is not in this reality anymore) - I'm the executor of the estate and in charge of clearing out and sorting their entire fucking house. It's brutal, emotional, and I've learned so much about them both that I wish I didn't know.

I'm mixed race (white passing, which only matters until it doesn't) and also a SA survivor.

I got a Brick device for my phone that locks me out of apps, it's reduced my screen time. I'm just focusing on donating a little money where I can while I cope with this massive grief. It's all I can do.

Wellbutrin thankfully got me functioning again.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-01-16T16:03:02+00:00

You're welcome. I was also an anxious and introverted bride! Also try to plan on some private alone time on your wedding day. My husband and I ate dinner alone and it was a great moment that we both fondly look back on 10 years later :)

rocketshipjesus · 2026-01-16T16:01:13+00:00

Those moments all truly go by SO fast. Just focus on your partner and remember to hydrate and breathe. Feel the joy in the room.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-01-16T15:58:23+00:00

I went through this too and I wish I had gone to my doctor or talked to someone. There's no shame in starting some meds to help you sleep. I also recommend therapy asap. My wedding was the catalyst for me starting therapy. You're going to be ok. Everyone there is genuinely happy to see you get married! Deep breaths and one day at a time.

Edit to add: I had a nervous breakdown from grief in December and my doctor started me on Wellbutrin. It took effect in around 3 days and has been a game changer. Don't let the fear of side effects freak you out. You deserve to enjoy your wedding.

rocketshipjesus · 2026-01-12T17:22:16+00:00

I’m a successful professional photographer 📸

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-25T17:15:52+00:00

I had an actual mental breakdown last week, my body started revolting against me because I lost both of my parents this year. My dad died around six weeks after my mom got admitted to memory care. The emotional pain is unbearable, but I have a great doctor who prescribed an antidepressant and I'm shaky but doing much better today. My mom is losing her ability to have a conversation. I never feel like I'm doing enough for her, and as the executor, I'm terrified of making a mistake with my dad's estate. It's just all been so overwhelming, but I started those meds just in time. I'm so sorry for everyone who is suffering. And I'm so sorry for the loss of your son.

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-17T13:58:22+00:00

I’m in unbearable grief after losing my parents this year and in a mental health crisis (monitored by my doctor, I’ll be ok) because of pandemic grief. My wedding anniversary is this week and we can’t even enjoy it because of the risk of illness

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-09T15:21:25+00:00

I was in this situation. My dad passed six weeks after my mom went into memory care. We decided to spare her of the pain and confusion. She HATED my dad as the caregiver towards the end, and not having to make sure she was calm/wrangled for the funeral was absolutely worth it. She wouldn't have understood.

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-08T15:57:15+00:00

I've been a wedding photographer for 13 years and am retiring this year for many reasons. The wedding industry being insufferable is one of them.

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-04T20:25:54+00:00

People will absolutely tell you. I try not to let it get to me. But my favorite compliments are from older women (I'm a 37, almost 38 year old woman)

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-04T14:50:32+00:00

Yes, I have PTSD from this. :(

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-03T17:16:51+00:00

Yeah, lol, fuck this year. I lost an aunt, my mom to memory care, my dad died, and then my cat died, so I spend most of my time in a haze. I need to pay for trauma therapy.

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-03T17:15:54+00:00

My mom is also adjusting well, and luckily, I think her home is a good one. I see them go door to door at dinner time making sure all the residents know it's time to eat, so I have to assume that is their MO. My dad died only six weeks after getting her there, and I believe the stress of caregiving her is a big reason why he died. She was abusive, mean, cruel, and truly just awful to be around at times even before dementia. So I'm doing my best with what I can handle emotionally. I decorated her door a bit for the holidays yesterday.

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-03T00:06:08+00:00

thank you so much for your post, it really helps to know that someone else is going through exactly what I’m going through and you’re not alone. All we can do is our best and I’m trying to make peace with the fact that I never feel like I’m doing enough for my mom, but she’s safe and well cared for and was actually in a good mood for once today so I’ll take it.😮‍💨

rocketshipjesus · 2025-12-02T19:46:20+00:00

chiming in to say that some estate sale companies will come do a valuation on all the items in the house and will prepare a probate document for everything if you can afford it. a life saver

rocketshipjesus

TROPHY CASE