A new program in Edmonton is offering a lifeline to fathers grappling with the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Azher Rubbani, a father who has experienced this profound loss, is encouraging men to 'lean in' to their grief this Father's Day rather than suffer in silence.
A Personal Mission
Rubbani knows the depths of such sorrow firsthand. After losing his own child, he found that traditional support systems often overlooked fathers. 'Men are taught to be strong, to hold it together,' he says. 'But that can lead to isolation and prolonged suffering.' His program aims to change that by creating a safe space for men to share their experiences and emotions.
Community and Connection
The initiative includes group meetings, one-on-one mentoring, and resources tailored specifically for grieving dads. Participants are encouraged to talk openly about their children, their memories, and their pain. 'It's about laying down their grief instead of carrying it alone,' Rubbani explains.
This Father's Day, Rubbani hopes more fathers will reach out. 'You don't have to be okay. You just have to be willing to lean in.'
