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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Philippa Perry

My parents have died and now my brothers don’t speak. I feel so sad

Christmas fir tree with garland and red decoration.Holiday decor. Top view
‘Despite concerns about being unable to stop crying once you start, you need to recognise that the tears will subside.’ Photograph: Alexandr Kolesnikov/Getty Images

The question My father died a couple of years ago in awful Covid conditions, alone and scared. My mother died a few years earlier, and how she both deteriorated and died was dreadful. I still struggle that I couldn’t help my parents – whom I loved dearly – have better deaths. Focusing on my gorgeous children, incredible husband and my work keeps me busy and distracted and, although I believe I am not depressed, I can feel down sometimes.

Occasionally, I get struck by sadness attacks, which I fear more than anything. But this isn’t all, my brothers do not talk to each other. I find this very disruptive and emotionally draining. Their relationship has never been good, but they used to be able to be in the same room. However, as soon as my parents died, they terminated their relationship.

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