Losing my dad at the tender age of 19 was a devastating blow that I never saw coming. He was only 46 years old, full of life and love, and then suddenly he was gone in the blink of an eye. The circumstances surrounding his death were tragic and senseless, leaving me and my family grappling with the pain and confusion of his absence.

Grief is a funny thing. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it, like a shadow lurking in the corners of your mind. It changes you in ways you never thought possible, turning your world upside down and leaving you feeling lost and alone. The pain of losing my dad never truly eases, it lingers like a constant ache in my heart that I can never shake.

The hole that his absence has left in my life is gaping and raw, a constant reminder of what I have lost. I find myself reaching for him in moments of joy and sorrow, only to be met with the harsh reality that he is no longer there. The memories of him are bittersweet, bringing both comfort and pain in equal measure.

Losing my dad has changed my outlook on life in ways I never could have imagined. I have learned to cherish every moment, to hold onto the ones I love tightly and never take them for granted. I have come to understand the fragility of life, the fleeting nature of our time on this earth, and the importance of making every moment count.

The pain of losing my dad will never truly go away, but I have learned to carry it with me, to let it shape me into a stronger, more compassionate person. I know that he is watching over me, guiding me through the darkest moments and cheering me on in the brightest. 
And while the hole in my heart may never heal, I take solace in the knowledge that his love will always be with me, a beacon of light in the darkness.

So here I am, 46 years old and forever changed by the loss of my dad. The pain is still raw, the grief still fresh, but I know that I will carry his memory with me always, a constant reminder of the love and light he brought into my life. And though the road ahead may be long and difficult, I know that I am not alone, for he will always be by my side, guiding me through the darkest of days and shining a light on the path ahead.

Until next time,
Toodle pip,
Yours Lainey.

🦋🦋🦋