Dealing with the Anticipatory Grief of Losing a Loved One

Finding peace & acceptance with a parent at the end of life

Photo by ash

How does one deal with grief when anticipating the death of a loved one? I read that and uncontrolled emotions, which I can attest to feeling in this phase of my life.

This was one of the main reasons I did a recent 40-day ‘fast’—to come to terms with my dad’s failing health while navigating difficult family relationships and a from my parents.

Cycling through the stages of grief

For months, I was stuck on a roller coaster of emotions, going through the different stages of grief. While my dad remained stuck in denial, I cycled through anger, bargaining, and depression until finally coming to a place of acceptance.

I can’t tell you how many tears I cried or how many nights I stayed up praying for his circumstances. But I realized I can’t change him or make him find peace. I can only rest in my acceptance and extend to him love and forgiveness for his life choices.

My dad’s failing health

I’ve written before about grieving my dad as he nears the end of life. His health continues to plummet, and it’s…