Losing a parent is one of the most harrowing things you will ever face in life, no matter how old you are. Not having your mum or dad there to experience those momentous moments in your life is the most heartbreaking thing, and Gemma Atkinson understands that pain.
The mum-to-be opened up about how devastated she is knowing her dad will never get to meet his grandchild. The former Emmerdale star is expecting her first child with Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez.
With her due date approaching, Gemma is preparing for baby’s arrival but admitted she had a devastating realisation this week.
She explained: “It dawned on me today the wonderful relationship I had with my grandparents when I was growing up, and then it hit me my dad won’t get to meet his Grandchild.”
“Seems crazy... I blame the pregnancy hormones but today has been a bloody rollercoaster. Fits of laughter to sobbing. Thankfully, I had cookies,” she added.
The mum posted the quote, “My dad taught me everything, except how to live without him,” alongside the moving message.
Fans were quick to reassure Gemma that she isn’t alone, “I totally understand my second son was born after my mum died. It's a strange feeling but my son was born on my Dad's birthday and I saw a Robin at my house when I came home from the hospital so I took comfort that my mum was there.”
“My daughter lost her dad at 13 years of age and both of us share your thoughts.She’s 21 now and with every milestone in her life it gets harder to beat,” another mum said.
Gemma’s dad passed away when she was only 17-years-old.
