losing a parent after sibling loss

As surviving siblings we always worry about being the only living child to care for our parents as they age or become sick. Well that has happened to me, my Dad died June 18 after a 3 year battle with blood cancer. 

The mixed emotions I am feeling are indescribable! Sadness, anger, frustration mixed with peace. Peace knowing my Dad is free from the fight and he is reunited with my brother Mark and dog Snoopy. Peace knowing Mark is not living the pain of watching Dad fade away and seeing Mom heartbroken.  

These emotions are not just for myself but my Mom. How is it far she lost a child to cancer and now her husband of 38+ years? Not having my brother here through this journey has been overwhelming. 

In times like this we need to remember the basics to healing and I need to practice what I preach; self-care! We need to care for ourselves before we can care for others, in my case, my Mom. Healthy diets, exercise and sleep are important yes but I need to also listen to myself and what I want; ice cream! Haha! We all need to do what we need within healthy limits! 

In my Dad’s eulogy I said, strong fathers raise strong daughters, I was raised to share and it has come time that I need to share my Dad with my brother. 

Never Lose Hope!

Jack’s daughter and Mark’s sister,

Carolann Pichnarcik

Chapter Co-Leader and Sibling Leader