The days surrounding Father’s Day can be an emotional time for those who have lost a father, especially if it is a recent loss. It can be difficult to escape the ever-constant stream of Father’s Day promotions, greeting cards, and cookouts. However, even if your father is no longer with you this Father’s Day, there are still ways in which you can celebrate and honor his memory.

1. Get him a card. If you find yourself unable to escape the rows and rows of greeting cards, go ahead and get one for your dad. Funny or serious—pick one that describes your relationship. Then, write a note to your dad. Writing can be a good way to let out your emotions. You can tell your dad how much you miss him, what’s going on in your life, and thank him for the time that you did have together.
2. Share memories and stories. Gather your family and friends and reminisce on all the times that you and your dad shared. Tell them about your secret nicknames, inside jokes, and that one embarrassing story that only he knew. Keep his legacy alive by passing on these stories to your children. Pull out old photos and recount the best qualities of your dad. If you find a photo that you especially love, share it on social media so your friends can remember him as well.
3. Celebrate the other men and father figures in your life. While no one can replace your dad, it’s important to honor the other men who have shaped you. Friends, coaches, teachers, and even your mother—tell them how much you appreciate their impact on your life in the absence of your father. Likewise, if you are a father yourself, spend the day letting your children celebrate you.
4. Spend the day doing what he loved. Take the day to yourself (or recruit the family) to pay tribute to your dad and the things he loved to do. Take a walk in his favorite park, cook his favorite meal, or watch his favorite old western movie. This is a good way to feel connected to him, even when he is no longer physically there.
5. Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that this will be a hard day, and it’s perfectly normal to be emotionally overwhelmed. Allow yourself to deal with your grief on your own time; the process is different for everyone. When you are ready to seek help in coping with grief, reach out to a member of the bereavement care team at ViaQuest.

Celebrating Father’s Day after a father has passed can be painful, but remember that it’s okay to grieve, laugh, cry, and celebrate—or not celebrate. Ultimately, how you choose to spend the day is up to you, as long as you allow yourself to honor your dad in a way that’s best for you.

ViaQuest has a strong support team of social workers, chaplains, volunteers, and a bereavement care team dedicated to helping you. After a loved one has passed, the ViaQuest team is here to support the emotional needs of those left behind through grief and loss counseling, memorial services, and support groups. Contact us at (855) 289-1722 for more information or visit https://viaquestinc.com/core-services/hospice/emotional-support/