Hi Debbie, I am so sorry about your dad. I can so relate to your post - it could be me writing!! I lost my dad in June and like you, am devastated. I found that while I was doing practical things eg plans for the funeral etc, emptying his flat, disposing of his belongings, dealing with the paperwork, his will, his solicitor etc somehow like you I kept going. But, coming home after the funeral, everyone going back to everyday life how could they? - hit me hard and those times when you're not doing the practical things, are the hardest. I just found that all my grief came out later, it still is. So, look after yourself...finding Daily Strength does help..especially the journal, it keeps me sane.
Best wishes, Juliexxx

being numb is completely normal. its the only thing you can do right now. i felt numb for about 4 months after (with moments of realizing what happened). Now, 10 months later its just begining to hit me. there is no "normal" just take one day at a time...even hour by hour.

DS is a great help though, don't be afraid to lean on the people here. take care.

You won't crash and burn, as long as you find some time each day, to take care of you too. When my dad died, I had to take it all on too. Dad always did everything, and mom was clueless. My only sibling was married with a career and a small child. I was single, (17) and living with mom and dad. Dad taught me a lot of things, and tried to prepare me. It was a big help.
The numbness is just one of the many stages of grief. It normally last for up to three months. Then the reality of the loss, then the pain of the loss, then the adjustment to the loss. It is a long slow process. We will try to help you through it. People here have had a lot of experience in all that gores along with it. Just take one day at a time, and don;t make any major decisions for at least a year if you can help it. Huggs, Rainbowmama

first off i wanna say im so sorry for your loss i lost my dad 2 months ago feelin numb for the first couple of weeks is normal especially if you are taking care of things i dont think you are going to crash and burn but i wont lie to you it will hurt like hell when the reality hits you but there are good ppl here when need support my prayers are with you

Your feelings are not only normal - but part of a many-steps grieving process. First, you have to get through the shock, the mourning, the funeral, etc. Once that's done, and things seem to have quieted down, that's when the grieving begins.

At the wake/funeral, while you'd think it's the deceased who's the center of attention, it's multi-faceted. Immediate family is also "center stage" and gets much attention/concern. All this "center stage" attention, as well as the shock of losing your loved one, puts survivors in shock aura. But as people leave and the condolences stop, you will have time to grieve alone. Everyone is different but don't plan on anything immediate. Grieve as long as you need to. It's normal.

debbie ,i am so sorry for your loss.what you are experiencing is normal.my girls lost their dad almost a year ago ,and my 16 yrold still hasnt accepted it .she has had all the love and support of her family ,but now is having counseling.that apparently is normal too.she has gone into a slef comfort zone ,where as long as she is around me and her sisters she is ok.its going out that she cant face.
4 months after losing her father ,i lost my own.everything she is feeling,became really clear to me then.if i thought i understood how she felt ,i sure do now.im still numb today ,i had to make the arrangements ,like you ,as my mum wasnt well enough.at first you are so busy ,every day is a blurr.it is after everything has died down ,that it really does hit you.it doesnt mean you will crash ,but do try and remember you are grieiving too.you need time to grieve .i found so much comfort being on ds ,so many people could associate with how i felt ,and just talking about how i felt has really helped.yes ,there are going to be days when its worse than others.and if you need to cry ,try and let your emotions out .its healthy and normal.its bottling it up ,that causes problems.i wish you love and support,i hope if any of us can help you ,you will ask.it is comforing to know others feel the same way.take care.love.sharon.x

Debbie my heart feels for you so much. I remember counting the hours, then the days now the weeks since my Dad passed away. Everything you say makes perfect sense. I found reading about grief and speaking with a grief counselor helped me to understand that what my mind and body were going through was absolutely normal. Also being part of the DS community is a life saver. There are so many beautiful caring people out there and we are all going through the same thing. Big hugs to you Debbie and keep in touch.

(((Debbie))) I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad July of 2006 so I am a bit further along this path than you. In answer to your question; Yes. It's normal but it's the new normal. As you know, grief is so complex. And everyone handles it differently. And it never moves in one straight line. People will often say it's a roller coaster ride and it is (although it's one you never wanted to be on). Just be gentle with yourself and allow yourself time...prayers are with you

I am very sorry for your loss.

Yes, what you are feeling is normal. I still feel that way about my boyfriend and he died in April 2002. I had to be strong ... his mom was devasted beyond coping for a long time.

you are in my thoughts & prayers