Shirin Yadegar shares coping mechanisms for losing a loved one.

When I lost my father on August 28, 2022, my entire being was instantly shattered. Initial pains of loss are so deep and hurtful, your mind becomes paralyzed. I was robotic the first week as we sat shiva, the 7 day Jewish mourning period. I made arrangements for my father’s burial and memorial services. I slept nightly with my mom to comfort her. I veiled my sadness to be strong for my mother, brother, husband and children.

The first morning I woke up in my own bed on day 8 of my dad’s passing is when I began to process the enormity of losing a father. It felt like I had been stabbed. My heart was split in two. One was filled with memories. The other died with my father. So I began to mourn and heal. (more…)