I am sorry for your loss. Time does not seem to heal the heart. Finding new places to focus on has helped me not dwell on the lacks I felt in the relationship. We were so different. He did the best he could. I guess that might be called letting go of my expectations.

My dad died two years ago and for the first year the grief got worse until I started reinventing who I think I am. I am no longer my father's son. I do not have to try to live up to his expectations anymore or try to get him to understand me. I am a different person now because I keep trying to focus on new things.

The grief and sadness is still there but I have written letters to him telling him I have to move on with my life. It seemed to help me go a step further toward healing.