Why do I keep asking where my parents are, even though they passed away?
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we go through in life. Even years after they’re gone, we might find ourselves looking for them or wanting to talk to them. This is a normal part of grief that many people experience.
Our brains are used to our parents being around. For most of us, they’ve been there our whole lives. So when they’re suddenly not there anymore, it takes time for our minds to fully accept it. We might catch ourselves thinking “I should call Mom” or “Dad would love this” before remembering they’re no longer with us.
Grief isn’t a straight line. It comes in waves, and even when we think we’ve moved on, something can trigger those feelings of loss again. A familiar smell, a favorite song, or a special date can bring back memories and make us acutely aware of their absence.
Asking where our parents are, even though we know they’ve passed, can be our mind’s way of processing the loss. It’s like our brain is double-checking, making sure this big change is real. It’s also a way of expressing how much we miss them and wish they were still here.
Sometimes, we might ask this question out loud without realizing it. Other times, it might just be a fleeting thought. Either way, it’s a sign of how important our parents were to us and how deeply their loss affects us.
This doesn’t mean we’re not healing or moving forward. It’s just that the love we have for our parents doesn’t go away when they die. We carry it with us, and sometimes that love expresses itself as a momentary forgetfulness or a wish for their presence.
If you find yourself doing this often, it might help to talk to someone about your feelings. This could be a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor. Sharing your memories and feelings can be a healthy way to process your grief.
Remember, there’s no “right” way to grieve and no time limit on missing someone we love. Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate these complex emotions. It’s okay to still need your parents, even when they’re no longer here.
