I lost my best friend and the family key.

by Bonnie

I lost my mother September 10, 2009. She went into respiratory failure the evening of September 2, 2009. She fought for life in intensive care for 8 days before losing her battle.

My mom had been suffering for several years before being diagnosed the week of her death. She was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. She was willing to do anything to fight until she became too weak in the end.

My dad has not dealt with the loss of my mom in a safe manner. He never used to drink, but every evening he goes out to the bar (walking). He gets drunk, comes home and does it again the next night. I wish I knew how to help him deal with his grief. I know he is hurting, but we all are hurting. He is hurting us even more by his actions.

I would love to know how to approach talking to him without making him feel threatened. My parents were married for 36 years. I know he is lost without her.