Hi Joe,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Guessing by now your uni years coming to end / over. I hope it went ok for you regardless of whether you stayed there for the rest of the year or not.
I was your age when I lost my Dad and had just started uni in Bristol a few weeks before. I spent most weekends going between Bristol and Birmingham on the train to support mum but stayed studying in Bristol and despite it being hard, definitely think it was the best decision. Remember also having those low times when out and about with mates, when the crying hits you out of the blue. My uni was really supportive, through my student advisor, sorted out issues with time off / repeating / re-arranging modules etc. so if anyone's ever in that situation, please make sure you know that's available to you, or certainly should be.
There was definitely something good about carrying on and trying to return to normality which I don't regret in any respect, just make sure you take time to allow yourself to have those down moments as they're important and totally normal. Grief is totally individually, but possibly I think if you don't take time to be sad / reflect / allow yourself to have those moments in the early months / years you'll need to at some point anyway, so every time is good as you're starting to move on a tiny bit each time.
I hope your mum's doing ok too, sounds like you'll be looking after her regardless. 🙂
Good luck for the months ahead and feel free to send a message if you have any questions!
Big love to you and your family.
Leigh
