Father’s Day Grief
Six Ways to Celebrate Dad When After He’s Gone
For many, Father’s Day is a joyous time to gather with family over good food and board games. But, sadly, for others, the holiday is a grim reminder of loss. If you are among the millions of Americans whose dads have died, you may not look forward to celebrating Father’s Day. But there are great ways to honor your father this Sunday, even if he will not be with you in the flesh:
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Enjoy his favorite food
Instead of grilling, why not change up the menu, to reflect your dad’s palate. If he loved macaroni and cheese, make a double batch to enjoy while reminiscing over the family photo album.
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Showcase his musical taste
Even if you complained about it while he was alive, your father’s music may bring a smile to your face if you play it on Father’s Day. Think about his favorite singer or band and download a virtual playlist. Don’t be afraid to shed a few tears if the soundtrack stirs your emotions.
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Write a note
Why not express everything you wish you had said while he was still alive? Put your thoughts in writing. Share a favorite memory or tell him a joke. The fact he won’t be there to read it won’t eliminate the catharsis provided by putting pen to paper.
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Visit his grave or pull out the urn
Father’s Day is one of the most popular days to visit a graveyard. No wonder. The cemetery is a great place to pay your respects to someone you loved and lost. Whether you decide to bring flowers or some other meaningful token, the gesture will ground your emotions and honor your dad.
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Take a day trip he would have enjoyed
Instead of hosting a backyard barbecue, consider packing friends and family into the car and heading to your father’s favorite haunts. (No pun intended.) Was he a fisherman? Head for fresh water or, in Southern California, where Foothill Funeral & Cremation is located, you might opt for the beach. Honoring his hobbies will help you feel connected and spending the day with other people you love could help ease the pain of celebrating in his absence.
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Observe a moment of silence
It may feel almost creepy to carry on as if nothing has changed. If so, you may want to formally observe a moment of silence during your family’s Father’s Day festivities. A great time to set down your phone, turn off the television and focus on the relationship you shared, this moment will help you focus on honoring his life instead of just mourning his death.
Quotes for Father’s Day
The most important thing in the world is family and love.
~John Wooden
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.
~Jim Valvano
It is a wise father that knows his own child.
~William Shakespeare
Dad, wherever you are, you are gone but you will never be forgotten.
~Conrad Hall
My dad’s not here, but he’s watching in heaven.
~Bubba Watson
When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry.
~Unknown
It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.
~Anne Sexton
I’m always going to love my father.
~Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes.
~Gloria Naylor
About Foothill Funeral & Cremation
We love helping families throughout the grieving process. Call us now or at your time of need (626) 335-0615. Feel free to drop by our Glendora showroom. Our relationship with United Methodist Church is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorials. You’ll love the grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or contact us via email.
