UPDATE:My dad died recently and I (24M) don’t want to go to my step mom’s place cause I’m still grieving

An update from a Redditor reveals how they overcame their grief to spend Christmas with their stepmother and stepsister after their dad’s passing. Despite initial hesitation, the visit turned into a heartfelt moment of bonding and healing, strengthening their family connections. Read the full update below.

‘ UPDATE:My dad died recently and I (24M) don’t want to go to my step mom’s place cause I’m still grieving’

Ok so I went to my step mom’s place for christmas, this was my first time with my step mom and step sister without my dad. It was super hard cause I sat in the seat he always sat on and I just broke down crying. I am forever grateful for both my step sister and step mom cause we all just had a group hug on her couch while I bawled my eyes out.

It ended and we didn’t open presents but just talked. We had brunch and it went well tho I was holding in tears for the whole thing, this was the first time I could see they actually do care for me and I care for them. They are my family, I didn’t stay the night cause I def couldn’t do that but I left around 11 at night.

This was the first time I ever felt like a full family unit and not the bad kid who fought with my step mom was just wasn’t the nicest to my step sister. I thank them so much for not holding a grudge when I went through my teen rebel phase.

I hugged them both goodbye and went home, I feel like me giving them a shot and going to my dad’s place helped me realize that these are the people who have always been there for me. I mean they were the ones who didn’t give up on me when I was a troubled teen and I love them both for it.

I talk with my step sister almost daily now even if its just a good morning text and I call my step mom a bit too now. Thank you all for the comments and making me realize that I should go and how it would do wonders to make us all closer it helped!

TL;DR: went to my step mom’s place for christmas and we all bonded more than I thought

These are the responses from Reddit users:

dream_walker09 −  Aww I remember this post. I’m glad you went.

thatisnotmyknob −  We did it kids, we didn’t make it worse! I’m proud of us.

serina_ll −  Your update had me crying a bit. I am so happy for you that it went well. Have a blessed new year!

Gulliverlived −  What a wise, brave decision that was, I’m so glad you were able to do that and that it turned out to be just the right thing for all of you. Life is full of wonder and opportunity, good for you for seizing it despite your grief—I have a feeling your father would be very proud of you.

am1n9 −  I m glad that you went and happy that u see them as your family as they do see you.

TonyWrocks −  Give yourself room to continue to move through your feelings about this. I can tell you from personal experience that 30 years later you’ll still carry some grief, but it does get better. You must learn to live *with* your feelings, rather than trying to move past them.

WelfordNelferd −  I’m not crying, you’re crying! I saw your initial post and I know you had some major trepidation about this. Kudos to you for taking this very difficult step…and I’m so happy for you that everything worked out the way it did. Your Dad would be so proud of you. <3

JJTG64 −  If you haven’t yet, I think it would mean a lot to them if you told them how much you appreciate them. Maybe write them each a letter explaining that you realize how you were as a kid and how thankful you are to have them.

Ifonly88 −  You are helping your dad rest in peace.

cataholicsanonymous −  I’m so happy for you. Family is who is there for you, regardless of your blood. My sister died 6 months ago and I was so worried I would never see her kids anymore, but her husband has made sure that they stay involved with me and with my parents. I’m so grateful to him for that. He’s always going to be family to us.

Does this story show how taking a step toward healing can deepen family bonds, even in grief? How would you approach reconnecting with family after a loss? Share your thoughts and experiences below!