The Day I Faceplanted on the Pavement — Facing Reality Head-On

They say to trust your gut—I wish I had trusted mine the day my dad passed away. What seemed like a sudden loss was actually the result of a slow, internal struggle culminating in a hard crash—a faceplant that kept me stalled for nearly two years.

It was the day he didn’t show up to work. When I drove to his house, I found his work car running in the driveway, keys still in the ignition. That day, my father died unexpectedly. Not only did I find him, but I was also left to navigate the overwhelming task of picking up the pieces—both literally and figuratively. 

Unexpected tragedy can leave us feeling helpless, like you fall face first into the pavement, crashing head first into uncertainty.  For years, grief paralyzed me—I wasn’t sure where to turn or what to do next. But gradually, by leaning into resilience and drawing on the lessons I learned alongside my dad, I began to heal and find a way forward.

If you’re navigating your own difficult losses and transitions—balancing caregiving, professional life, and self-care—know that resilience isn’t about perfection. It’s about moving forward, even when the path is unclear.