Chapter 1: What did this relationship mean to me?


This relationship was complicated

We’ve been divorced for more than 10 years, but when he got sick he called me. So I got involved right up until the end of his life. Now I don’t know what my place is in the family.

Some relationships have a complex history. The rules of what to do after a death are anything but clear.

How does this relationship affect my grief?

How is an adult supposed to grieve the death of an abusive parent? We don't only grieve the loss of loving and fulfilling relationships.

You can also grieve the loss of what might have been. You may be left with a lot of deep hurt and resentment.

Depending on how complex and painful your situation, you may benefit from counselling to sort through your feelings.