Navigating the grieving process can be challenging when faced with the death of an estranged parent. Separations within the family unit can occur for several valid reasons, such as avoiding lingering disagreements and enforcing healthy boundaries. When it comes time to make funeral arrangements, use this guide to help you cope with the difficulties that may arise. 

How Can You Deal With the Death of an Estranged Parent?

1. Grieve in Your Own Way 

Grief is notorious for being nonlinear. You may experience detachment at one moment and pain afterward or go months without having an emotional reaction. Any response you have, or lack thereof, is appropriate as it's personal to you. Let your feelings flow when you need to without any concerns about judgment.

Actions such as assisting with funeral arrangements and giving a eulogy are up to you. If you feel compelled to speak, you can keep it simple by including basic facts about their life and happy memories of them. You may also use it as an opportunity to find closure. Attending a funeral is not required, no matter the relationship you shared with the deceased. 

2. Navigate Triggering Conversations

Other family members may want to talk about the death with you. If you want to be of service to them, acknowledge the pain they are experiencing and ask how you can support them. 

You can always steer the conversation away from your personal feelings about the relationship you shared. If you feel the conversation will trigger you, opt out by letting family members know it's not a good time to talk.

3. Anticipate Possible Guilt 

People commonly experience guilt for not repairing the rift with their estranged parent prior to their passing, no matter how much resolve they may have had when removing themselves from the relationship. 

You may wonder whether you should have forgiven them or feel bad because you don't sense any guilt. However, recognize the decisions you made in the past were valid for you at the time and cannot be changed. This allows you to free yourself from the heavy notion of any wrongdoing.

If you are having a challenging time planning the funeral arrangements for an estranged parent, enlist the gentle guidance of the professionals at R A Patrick Funeral Home. Located in Clifton Springs, NY, this second-generation funeral home specializes in accommodating meaningful services of all faiths with compassionate care and diligence. With preplanning and financing options available, they can make this process as stress-free as possible. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (315) 462-2221 to request assistance.