Navigating Grief

Shortly after moving to Madrid, my world turned upside down. My dad fell ill and, before I could fully grasp what was happening, he was gone. His passing was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. The grief was unlike anything I had ever known heavy, consuming, and unpredictable.

Being by his side during his final weeks was both heartbreaking and profound. I saw his pure soul, his unwavering love, and his courage in the face of mortality. I wish more than anything for just one more conversation, one more embrace. But even in his absence, I feel his presence. Some days, the weight of his loss is unbearable. On other days, the memories of his kindness, curiosity, and humor bring me bittersweet joy.

Grief doesn’t have a timeline, nor does it ever truly go away. But it changes. It becomes a part of us, woven into our hearts in ways that shape how we love, live, and remember. My dad’s passing took a piece of my heart, but he also left me a piece of his own. In a way, I feel closer to him than ever - through the lessons he taught me and the love he left behind.

The Importance of Support in Grief

One thing I’ve learned through this experience is how vital it is to have support. Grief is isolating, but it shouldn’t be faced alone. The people who stood by me, checked in, let me talk about my dad, and didn’t shy away from my sadness, became my anchors.

If you have someone in your life who is grieving, know that your presence matters more than you realize. You don’t have to find the perfect words (because there aren’t any). Just ask how they’re doing, and truly listen. Let them share stories about their loved ones. Don’t avoid the subject out of fear of making them sad, their sadness is already there. What helps is knowing that the person they lost isn’t forgotten, their name can still be spoken, and that their love continues in the stories that remain.

Grief is a lifelong journey, but it doesn’t have to be walked alone. For those who are grieving: you are not alone. Your loved one lives on, not just in memory, but in the love they gave you, the values they instilled, and the way you carry them forward.

If you’ve lost someone, I see you. If you know someone who is grieving, reach out to them. A simple, “I’m thinking of you” can mean the world.

And to my baba, thank you for everything. You are missed, you are loved, and you are with me always.