I lost my dad when I was 25. He was 52. His death came as complete surprise, and was by his own choosing. For what its worth I don't believe it makes any difference if its due to an illness and you know its coming, or if it happens suddenly and you had no warning. It's sad and painful and scary and lonely no matter how it happens.
If I could offer any advice at all, I would say try not dwell on it in the meantime. However much time you get to have with your dad, be it weeks or months, use this time to build memories of him. If there's anything you want your dad to know about you, or your relationship with him, or any special memories you have about growing up - now is the time to share them. If there's anything you want to know about your dad, his experiences, his memories, or his unique points of view - ask him. I'm betting he'd be happy to tell you. You can't dodge the elephant in the room, and nor should you try, but don't make the inevitable outcome the focus of the time left.
On the day of my dad's funeral, I remember standing on 17th Avenue outside the funeral home and being completely flummoxed as to why traffic was still moving, and why people were going to and fro, and how it could possibly be that life was carrying on as normal for everyone but me. I felt like the world ought to just stop - at least for a moment or two.
It wont. It doesn't. And that's important. For all the shock and numbness of it, life does go on. Even yours. The shock does wear off, the sadness does diminish, and your life really will carry on.
Like other's have said, I highly recommend a grief counselor. It won't help you be any less sad. I'm sorry to say it, but the pain of losing your dad is yours to carry. If you think about it this way - if there were some way to lessen the pain, wouldn't that kind of diminish the memory and love you have for your father? A grief counselor can help you see how normal the feelings you're having are, and help you move forward more grounded and certain of yourself.
26 is young to lose your dad, and I'm very sorry you're facing this. Years from now you might look back and feel a bit of a twinge knowing that he missed your wedding, your graduation, your kids (and you missed having him there for them) but hopefully you will also remember that he was there for you so much of the time when you were young and needed him most. 26 is too soon, really to say goodbye. But your dad is saying goodbye to you when you are an adult. He's raised you. He's shown you all the important things he knows. He's told you all the things your really need to know. He's been your father for 26 years and he's set you up as best he can for you to live the best life you can.
I think you'll find lots of support here if you need it, when you need it.
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