My mentor died in a car accident and I spoke at his funeral, but I couldn't say that I loved him like a father because people would think it was inappropriate.
More people experience this than they realize.
Mentorship can create parental bonds that death destroys, but professional boundaries silence the depth of mourning.
“Where Are You with Disenfranchised grief — when loss isn't recognized?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.