Losing a parent is difficult for us at any age. Even as adults, we feel uneasy and alone, often becoming suddenly aware of a connection we may not have appreciated. It was so constant, we were barely aware.
“When we loose a parent as a child, the severing of that connection is profound.”
Our awareness that we cannot survive without them is instinctive … and the overwhelm is enormous – even when there is another parent and other family around us. The body stores the trauma. We experience belly aches, feel vigilantly aware of the remaining parents’ every move, we struggle with separation. That is because neural pathways are built from the fight or flight part of our brain and our bodies store the trauma so we will never forget. The younger we are when it happens, the more generalized our sense of insecurity. A particular place is not safe… getting sick is dangerous …. When we are very young, it can make us feel like life itself is not safe, and we lockdown, and power through.
Four is a tough age to lose a parent.
This is the story of a child who lost and found ways to power through. Ultimately Louis realized that turning toward the very young part of him and exploring the feelings was his way through. Getting to the core of his trauma provided healing.
Full Story: Life after: Losing a parent in Positive.News
Image Source: Positive.News
