Christmas without Dad

It's my first Christmas without Dad. He's been gone for 8 months now. It's so hard to believe, I'm still not used to it.

I wanted to write a post for everyone else who is missing someone this Christmas. I think Christmas and birthdays are the times when you really notice that they're gone. I know a lot of people have lost a loved one this year, many losing people they are close to around Christmas time. It seems almost half the people at my work have lost someone close to them this year, and luckily , with some of them, it's been nice to have the opportunity to speak to each other about our own grief.

The best we can do is remember our loved ones, and think of them with happy memories. My Dad was a brilliant person I am so thankful to him for instilling in me a desire to learn, to be good to others and to be silly. I remember him often saying, when I declared how easy it would be to steal something unattended from outside a shop, "Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should". He also once got chatting to some people who lived near where he worked, and found out they struggled to mow the lawn, so he went round and mowed it on his lunch break every few weeks for a whole summer. He was an honest and kind man and I know a lot of people who spent a lot of time with him really miss him, it isn't just me.

Luckily I have a good family, and a loving boyfriend to get me through the sad times. I really feel for the people who have lost a partner or close family member, and don't have others to keep them feeling safe and loved. It upsets me that people will be alone this Christmas. If you want to donate to a charity that looks after people who are left alone, my friend volunteers for a fantastic charity in Nottingham called 'The Good Shepherd SVP Conference'

If you would like to donate, the address is:
The Good Shepherd SVP Conference, 3 Thackerays La Nottingham NG5 4HT

You can read more about them here.

So if you've lost someone this year, my heart goes out to you. You're not the only one, there are many people grieving. Remember your loved one this Christmas and keep them in your heart.