By David Coy
Sunrise
The loss of a spouse is agreeably very traumatic for the spouse that remains. I was reminded very recently how the influence can reach from children to grandchildren. Thus, their absence can touch the lives of many more people than we may initially realize. Not only did the person leave a void in the heart of the surviving spouse, but the children and even to grandchildren may have an existent void in their heart. More than we care to admit, children are going to bed with a missing a significant role model in the home. Our focus is when this absence is the father. Some suggest that the absence affects their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Research suggests a much higher risk for asthma, anxiety and depression in youth where the father is absent. Other factors may be seen which may include increases in social problems involving drug use and suicide in youths without a father in their home.
It is a huge struggle for a single parent to raise a child or children without a role model that a father in the home. There are supports available in our communities that can assist in this challenge. If there are family members available to aid in a father role, this can in part fill this void. If there is a church involved, they also should be involved in the lives of the families within their assembly. I can vouch of a congregation as one example that does just that. They proactively take a vested interest in the lives of the families. There also may be boys and girls clubs in the community that may assist to fill some of the void in the lives of our youth. Further, we as individuals should be alert for opportunities to support and assist with families with young people. When a parent is absent it ripples throughout the extended family, and they will need support. Attending a grief support group can help, come join us.
This is Sunrise Aftercare.
