I came from an extremely close-knit family... We had a great childhood and I can’t begin to tell you how important my parents were to us kids... We spoke every single day after I grew up and moved out, as one example.

So my mum died after an extended illness in 2012. My daddy died 9 months later (totally by surprise in a wretched motorcycle accident). Mum was only 69, and daddy was 70. They were young, in other words.

But to this day, I still feel bubbling jealousy and sometimes get angry when I see other people with their aging parents. And sometimes I’ll do double-takes thinking I’ve seen my mum or dad. Neither of these things happen as frequently as they once used to, but for goodness’ sake, shouldn’t I be over these reactions by now?? I accepted that was part of grief early on, but jeez... I’m not a mean or vindictive person, and I’m 48 years old... Old enough to handle things sensibly, I’d like to think. Does anyone else experience this so long after their mum or daddy is Crossed Over?

Thanks for listening, and making a safe space to talk about this stuff.