The loss of a loved one is always a tragic event that usually falters into a period of grief and mourning. When that deceased is a father or mother d it not only leaves a single parent, but it can rattle children to their core. It’s an immeasurable shift in the course of life.
This was the case of Rafael Del Col, a father from Maringa, Brazil, whose wife unexpectedly died in a horrific car accident. The couple were together for a perfect 10 years so Rafael was understandably devastated by her loss. But there was hardly room for his own grief – he had to explain to a young girl that her mother was gone forever – into the void. And then he had to raise her.
Del Col, however, decided that he and his daughter would grieve in a very special way that honored the incredible memory of their loving wife and mother:
Rafael got the idea from another mourning widower he met online who recreated family portraits to cope. For Rafael, the idea was perfect. In 2009, Rafael Del Sol and his wife did a photoshoot together a week before their wedding. So, naturally, Rafael chose to recreate these photos with his now 4 year old daughter.
The daughter dressed in the same outfits as her mother, head to toe. Then, Rafael and his daughter posed in the exact same positions as the couple did in the original photos, creating an altogether unique set of pictures. Rafael hopes that this project helps enlighten others on the pain that he and his daughter still live through. Fortunately, though, he says that they are happy and doing well.
Everyone mourns differently. That’s for sure.