Hello,
I'm not sure if this has been started already but thought it might be an idea to start a step-parent loss thread because I feel like it’s a bit of a missed, grey area.
I lost my step-dad 2 years ago. He had been in my life since I was 7 and died after a very short illness. Our relationship was understated, I didn't call him dad but we had a very quiet understanding of love. I took care of lots of things for him as he got older, but we never said I love you or were outwardly parent/child.
His loss hit me like a freight train. I couldn't have known how much it would have impacted me but I was completely derailed. I've been in therapy for a couple of years but have been in avoidance even there.
I would just like to know how others deal with similar losses and I guess for some validation that they were out parent after all.
Thanks xx