Hi, I’m Zoe and I’m one of Winston Wish’s Young Ambassadors. Just before my fourth birthday, I lost my dad in a mid-air collision, leaving behind my mum, my 18-month old brother and I.
Although I was very young at the time, the feeling of bereavement didn’t really hit until I was about eight. I felt as though I was different to every other kid because I didn’t have two parents.
That was when Winston’s Wish stepped in. Not only did I now not feel like the only one, but they also gave us lots of ways of coping.
Here is a list of some of my favourite things to do on Father’s Day:
- Ask mum to tell me stories of what my dad was like and go through some of his belongings
- Make a Father’s Day card – just because he’s not there to receive it doesn’t mean you can’t make one. I like to go to his favourite place and leave it there for him. If this isn’t possible during this time, then I would put it in a memory box.
- Have his favourite dinner or drink and raise a glass to him
- Light a candle and take a moment to think how proud he would be of us all
- Ring a friend – they may not understand but they’ll always listen and no doubt cheer you up
- Eat some chocolate (my solution to coping with anything!)
On Father’s Day every year I tend to do almost all of these. As a family, we make sure Father’s Day acts as a celebration rather than something to shy away from. I hope, with time, you can do that with your family and friends too.
I think the most important thing to remember every Father’s Day, is that although it may feel like it sometimes, you are not alone in going through this.
I hope you have a very happy and memorable Father’s Day doing whatever feels good for you and your family.
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