The Dead Dads Club and the Dignity of Discomfort

Sitting with grief is a gift.

Photo by Taylor Hernandez on Unsplash

In 2007, George O’Malley put losing his father into words.

I saw this episode of Grey’s Anatomy 13 years before I lost my own father, but it made an impression. In December 2020, I joined the club, and George’s words were right there waiting for me.

“I don’t know how to exist in a world where my dad doesn’t.”

The Dead Dads Club is the worst club I’ve ever joined, and I’ve shared pieces of my experience.

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