The Loss of a Parent: It Affects Us at Any Age

No matter how much we try to prepare ourselves for the inevitable, losing a parent is a moment that shakes us to our core. It’s a reality we logically know is coming, especially as our parents age, but that knowledge doesn’t soften the emotional blow when the time actually arrives.

This thought hit home for me while watching The Golden Bachelorette. Despite my growing dislike for one of the contestants, Chock, something he shared recently struck a chord. During the fourth week of the show, Chock lost his mother. She was elderly, and he himself is in his 60s—yet it was the first parent he’d lost. It reminded me of just how deeply the loss of a parent can affect us, regardless of how old we are or how "prepared" we think we might be.

Chock hearing the news that his mother has passed.

Even if we’ve been by their side as they age, even if we’ve had countless conversations about life and death, even if we’ve seen the signs that the end is near—there's still a part of us that clings to the belief that they'll always be here. When the day comes, it’s a shock, a jarring transition from a world where they were just a phone call away to one where that connection is suddenly severed.

The truth is, no matter how old we are, losing a parent takes us back to a place of vulnerability. Whether we are in our 20s, 40s, or 60s, the emotional impact is profound. It stirs up memories, unfinished conversations, and the realization that a piece of our life’s foundation has shifted forever. Grieving a parent doesn't just mean mourning the loss of their physical presence; it's also about grappling with the role they played in shaping who we are.

We’re left to process not only the grief of their passing but also the subtle ways in which their absence changes us. For some, it might trigger feelings of independence or a deeper understanding of life's brevity. For others, it might spark a long-overdue reflection on relationships—both the good and the complicated.

But regardless of how it manifests, one thing remains true: the loss of a parent is a universal experience, yet it feels deeply personal. It’s a reminder that, no matter how much we age, we’re never really "ready" to say goodbye to the people who brought us into this world.

If you've recently experienced the loss of a parent or are navigating those emotions even years later, know that it's okay to grieve in your own way and in your own time. The void they leave behind may never truly be filled, but the memories, love, and life lessons they’ve passed on will always be a part of you.

This topic is one of many that have surfaced while watching The Golden Bachelorette. If you’re following the show, don’t miss my latest recap where I break down the emotional moments, including Chock’s loss, and dive into how these real-life experiences impact the show's journey. You can watch the full recap here to stay updated and share your thoughts on the show’s most recent developments.

I'd love to hear from you—how has the loss of a parent affected you, no matter your age? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's support each other through these difficult times.

Until next time, friends. Stay sensational! 🤍, Lois