Remember Dad on Father’s Day

Remembering your dad, who has gone ahead, and Father’s Day comes along is painfully difficult. You’re feeling the loss of your dad hard, and it’s not easy to move forward when you miss him so much. Yet, the memories flood and you’re reminded of how you and your dad celebrated this special day.

This year will be challenging, for the other chair is empty.

It’s tough to remember what was once and how to deal with the loss of your dad. Although moving forward isn’t easy, and celebrating his honor, his life during Father’s Day can also be a step ahead.

With memories worth remembering, take a step towards recognizing how awesome he was in his life and now, on Father’s Day.

This Father’s Day can be difficult for anyone whose dad has passed away, whether recently or years ago. Seeing other people celebrating with their dads and families can be painful, which is normal.

Remembering your dad’s personality and shared memories can stir up the feelings concealed deep in your heart.

It’s okay. However, your emotions are yours. It’s not easy to navigate at this particular time. The way you cope with the grief of losing him is personal to you.

What if there was a way to send words to him on this special day? How would you convey your message of love and gratitude? 

Were there words left unspoken before he passed? Were there promises unfulfilled? And were you able to say your goodbyes?

You can move forward in your time, whatever the situation was then. Life is unpredictable, and today might be a step forward in your grief.

There’s something about death that brings finality, although many have said death isn’t the end. 

I thought death was the end of the person’s presence when I was five years old. It sounded scary for a young girl to comprehend. But I couldn’t picture someone not being here and missing that person a lot.

But it’s entirely the opposite. It may be the body’s demise, but the legacy and memories live on. I’ve seen death in my personal and professional life. Yet the lesson with death comes down to how you lived your life, the legacy you left behind, how you loved, and how people will surely miss you.

Dads influence our lives more than we give them credit for. They stand behind and support us in silence. You can feel the reserve they show through the care they give us every day. 

He was there in the shadows and sidelines. When you needed him, your dad was there for you. When you need advice, he was the one you sought out. You may have some disagreements, but at the end of the day, you patch things up.

It can be hard to feel celebratory when celebrations like Father’s Day come around. So take the time to examine how you feel about this day and find the connection within your reasons for celebrating him.

There’s always a way for you to show that your love for him is deeply ingrained. A way to feel his presence again through rituals you practiced in the past. 

Everybody is different — how you feel about your loss, the grieving period. But everybody has a way of honoring the memory of their Dads.

How can you celebrate your dad, who has gone ahead?

Ways to Remember and Honor Dad on Father’s Day

1. Select a picture of you and him.

Frame a memory. Seeing the shared past in a concrete image can help you remember it. Then, recollecting that moment captured in the photo.

Keep a photo frame of you and him. Photos can help you fondly remember the memories that you both shared.

2. Visit the place where you used to go.

Walk or sit where you remember his face from memories shared in that place. Revel in the moment you both laughed or cried on this very spot. Take it in and let it bring you closer to him.

3. Do his favorite thing to remember dad on father’s day.

Do the things he loved the most when he was around. Whether he loved fishing, going for nature walks, cooking a feast, or singing karaoke, do whatever he was happy about. Doing the things he appreciates will make you feel closer to him.

“Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.”

Haruki Murakami

4. Offer a prayer.

Let his spiritual presence fill you through the Divine. Then, you can say a prayer of thanks. Or take a moment of silence in honor of him.

5. Share a story of him with your kids.

If they remember him, ask them to tell a story about grandpa. Grab the old photos. Father’s day is a perfect time to encourage kids to share a thing or two that they can remember. To the little ones who haven’t met him, you can look at pictures together and point out who he was and what the event was about.

Let the next generations be the custodian of such stories. Sharing the love and memory of someone you all loved.

6. Write a letter to your dad.

Pour out everything you wish for him to know. Share news about your life and family.

Tell him about an incident that reminded you of him. Maybe even a joke he would have laughed at. Include a quote on fatherhood or a memorable phrase your dad shared with you. (You can keep this letter or burn it – it’s up to you).

7. Visit his grave alone or with your family.

Stay for a moment to talk to him as if he’s there. You can bring some flowers, gifts, or even his favorite food. If visiting his grave isn’t possible, you can light a candle in his honor.

8. Gather with family and friends to honor Dad.

You can coordinate an informal luncheon with his family and friends. The lives he impacted, the services he extended, and the stories offer comfort. You’ll also realize that missing him on this special day is a shared feeling. Emotional support, especially on this day, can bring people together and can be healing.

Ways to support your spouse who lost her dad

1. Be there for her.

Follow her lead. If she wants to talk about her dad, lend your heart and ears. Support her need for space in grief. Then, when she is ready to speak, let her know you’re there for her.

2. There’s no timeline for grief.

Tell her you’re there for her no matter what she needs to feel. Offer your support without any rush or judgment. Don’t offer advice unless asked; don’t assume you know how she feels.

3. Keep the memory of her dad alive.

When your partner decides to honor her dad, be present with her. Share stories of the past that you guys had experienced with her dad. Be there when she requests support to do the activities in honor of her dad mentioned above.

4. It can be challenging to convey words to your spouse to ease the pain.

You’re the closest to her; sometimes, you can’t find the right words to comfort her. Your chosen words may sound hurtful and can come out wrong regardless of intent. However, saying the words coming from the heart matters to her.

Thoughts on how to remember Dad on father’s day

There’s no right or wrong way to remember dad, especially on Father’s Day. But, whatever you choose to do this day – it’s great to focus on honoring his life, legacy, and your love for him.

Celebrate his life together with the people who loved him the most. Enjoy the company of being together in his memory.

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

Helen Keller

If you find this article helpful, let me know in the comment section below. Also, share this with others who might be having a hard time. Thank you.