Laid my father to rest today at a veteran s memorable cemetery in GA. it's one of the good things the government does for their vets. All expenses paid. He was cremated and he was given military honors ceremony with the flag and bugle playing taps. I wonder if they've ever done it before with only 2 people in attendance. But they did it as if there were 500. He was put in his place in the wall with the inscription we chose. I know he would have been proud we did because he cherished the 4 years he was in the Navy. I'm sure the universe will take good care of him?

No,it's a deep feeling,the end,no more conversations,no advice given,a position we all will face one day,the life we knew is over.Perhaps viewing your mortalty?

Robert H. Smith

“The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.

To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more,
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.

The present only is our own,
So live, love, toil with a will,
Place no faith in "Tomorrow,"
For the Clock may then be still.”

I understand as I am not an only child, but everyone in my family died and then I felt like an orphan. I took care of my mother long distance until she died and that was very difficult. So now I look for friendships with people of similar interests.

I wonder how it will be when my parents go. I am 62 . THey have been present my entire life. I don't think there is a comparison to losing a parent. Be kind to yourself

Thank you to everyone for your understanding and support. It's amazing how social media can actually help us during tough times. Sometimes those closest to us are not really able to understand what we are going through and sometimes I don't feel like sharing my burden with them. I'm so grateful for having found this site. It's great not having to hear someone say have a blessed day LOL!

My ex once said he felt like an orphan...parents and only brother all gone. He was Not an emotional guy, this was a heartfelt exclamation.

Siblings can be a mixed blessing. At least no one is telling you that you're grieving wrong.

Also an only child. My father died last year. Had a complicated relationship with him. Mother still alive but she's toxic. Have vented/complained about them on this site before. Please do what you need to do. You want to vent we're here. With you in this. Peace

That's not whining , that's being human

Hugs , Hon .

I'm an only child as well. I lost my Dad almost eight years ago, and I'm caring for my still-active-but-aging Mom. Day-to-day life can be stressful, because sometimes it feels like it's all on me. Fortunately I do have cousins who live close by to help out, and I have some close friends to support me (and I them, if they should ask). But I understand totally your need to vent. I hope you have a friend or two you can lean on, and consider therapy if daily life becomes increasingly difficult. I've gone that route, and talking to a professional counselor can help a lot.

I understand how you feel. It's difficult to be an only child, lose your father and become responsible for your mother all at the same time. We play many roles throughout our lives. You're stepping into one of the most difficult ones now. But it will get better. If you need someone to reach out to message me. I've recently suffered a major lose myself so I honestly feel for you.

I'm sorry for loss.