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The last Sunday in AugustMade in Melbourne by Parker’s Dad

Why this site exists.

Bereaved Fathers Day started with Parker. This is our story, and why this site is here for other Dads.

Parker

  1. Matt in silhouette, close to the bump, waiting for Parker.
    Waiting for youI spent the pregnancy becoming your Dad.
  2. Parker’s hand holding a small felt teddy bear.
    Parker JamesBorn Friday 14 August 2026. 41 weeks, 3.5 kilograms, with a full head of brown hair.
  3. Parker’s little hand, resting on a felt heart.
    Your handYour little hand, resting on a felt heart.
  4. Parker’s feet, tucked in a blanket.
    Your feetTen little toes, tucked in a blanket.Photograph: Heartfelt
  5. Parker’s room, ready for him: the cot, the chair, and a dinosaur rug on the floor.
    Your roomYour room was ready: the cot, the chair, the dinosaurs on the floor.
  6. A tall stack of children’s books on a chair, beside a toy dinosaur.
    Your booksA stack of stories we couldn’t wait to read to you.

I only got to be Parker’s Dad for a few hours.

On Friday 14 August 2026 our first son was born. He was a beautifully big boy, with a full head of brown hair, and somehow a perfect fifty-fifty mix of his mum and me.

I stood beside him, held his little hand, and told him Dad was there with him. We got to hold him, and to say goodbye. Parker passed away on the 15th of August.

I know I’m Parker’s Dad. I always will be. But I’ve got a lifetime’s worth of love for him, and I’m still working out where to put it. This site is one of those places.

So if you’re here because your little one has passed on too: they mattered, they are remembered, and so are you.

And if you can, find one small slice of joy today, for your little one, or for my boy, Parker.

Matt, Parker’s Dad

The Father’s Days I’ll miss

I had a whole future in my head. Handmade mugs that leak. Macaroni pictures and crayon drawings. Little presents that wouldn’t make sense to anyone except me. Then coffees together, bike rides, talking rubbish, watching sport and motorsport, and whatever he’d have fallen in love with along the way.

Instead, every Father’s Day from now: one small slice of joy, for Parker.

Need to talk now?

In danger, call 000.

Rather text than talk: SMS4dads grief messages, for 15 weeks.

All the ways to get help

  • Red NoseSupport when a baby or child has passed on, at any age. Open 24/7.1300 308 307
  • LifelineCrisis support by phone, text or chat. Open 24/7.13 11 14
  • MensLine AustraliaCounselling for men, including grief. Open 24/7.1300 78 99 78