Ask Sam
Father Leaves
Dear Sam: What can I tell my friend Daniel whose father left him? His mom remarried and he feels so lost.
Christina
Dear Christina: Losing a parent through a divorce, separation or sometimes death is so very difficult. Mostly because it feels unnatural. We want our families to be together. The break up of a family, for any reason, can make us feel as if we are being pulled apart.
The underlying issue for Daniel will be one of trust. His struggle to trust might include questions like: Who can I trust now? Will I ever be able to trust again? These questions are challenging to answer without God’s help and the help of caring people.
Please encourage Daniel to talk to someone with skills to help. I would suggest a youth worker, or guidance counselor at school, someone not emotionally attached to the situation. Over time, as Daniel talks about and works through the disappointments, crushed expectations and lost dreams, he will find there are many opportunities to trust again.
Thank you for being such a caring friend.
Sam
