Halliebeth,

Imho, it is perfectly natural to think of your dad. My father died when I was 23 years old and I'm 55 now and I still think of him quite often. There are times when I feel the need to be closer to him still. Sometimes I surround myself with things too. It comforts me to pull out the handkerchief of his I saved. Sometimes I just look at it or put it against my face. Sometimes I take a big sniff of it to see if I can smell him again! It's a connection to him and the many emotions I have surrounding him.

On some level, I know that my connections can only be a quick visit and then I have to get back to current reality. But there's no explaining the comfort I receive when I'm walking through the house and glance at a picture of him!

I don't know all your circumstances but your therapist is best suited to help you. Maybe it is time to take another look at your grief. This is how it is. Periodically over time you will revisit this loss in your life. That's what happens. it's part of you and you deal with it. It is never, ever a one time thing! There are many layers, much like peeling a onion - complete with discomfort and tears. Work with T and allow it to happen.

notz