How Bela Padilla Finds Comfort in Losing Her Father

As Bela Padilla comes to terms with her father’s death, here’s how she finds comfort in losing him.

Although we know death is inevitable, some would rather not tempt fate and ask when. But when Filipino-British actress Bela Padilla’s father, Gary Cornelius Sullivan, passed away last week, she found comfort that his passing was peaceful rather than one filled with panic and struggle. “Our dad passed away last night in his sleep and that is my only consolation in all of this. He wasn’t in pain and he hopefully was dreaming of the happy times in his life,” Bela writes.

Bela Padilla is the niece of actor and now politician, Senator Robin Padilla, making her cousins with Queenie and Kylie Padilla.

Letting the Memories Tide Her Over

Although we consciously know that our parents are not getting any younger, a part of us sometimes denies that concept. And when they do leave us, their mementos are the memories — both fun and disheartening — they leave behind. Bela fondly reminisces on the memories her father left behind. “My sister, Ceri, told me the most beautiful thing last night. My dad loved us, his children, deeply. And he also loved himself. And that certainly is true. My dad loved life and lived his life to the fullest he could. He always knew where all the cool places were in any country he was in and the bands in bars loved him because he always sang along.”

But what we remember most about our parents when they pass is the invaluable lessons they taught us. It’s the same for Bela Padilla when she attributes her love for water and diving to her late father. “I love the water and I dive deeply because he taught me to swim and be fearless in the water at such an early age. His ability to see a problem and think of several solutions first before reacting is something I try to practice.”

“I will always wish for one more day.”

As we experience death and grief, we always start with the stage of denial: wishing for one more day that they could have lived. But as Bela admits, it would be “unfair.” It sadly confirms the truth that the length and the value of a parent’s life can sometimes only be seen when they leave. But Bela Padilla comforts and shares that there is a way to find the silver lining amidst the gloomy clouds accompanying the loss of her father. “For now, and until paradise comes, the memories will tide us over.”

In another post, Bela also shares that her father’s death did “shake her to the core.” However, her father definitely raised a strong and empowered woman as she writes, “I’ve always loved life so much. I am so thankful for my life. When death occurs, it shakes me to my core. When death happens around me, it breaks my soul. But I will pick up the pieces, one by one.”

Currently, she resides in the United Kingdom, choosing to relocate there on November 24, 2021.

She is also currently the host of “It’s Showtime!” and has starred in a movie, Wish You Were The One.

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Erik Santos Pens The Truth About Losing One’s Parents