Quote Originally Posted by Nanci
Emily, all I can tell you is that's it's ok, sort of, when one is gone, but when both are gone, you become anchorless. It's awful. And then, one night, you will have a dream, and one or the other will be there, just as if it was yesterday, talking the same, looking the same, being the same, as if they were still alive. I always wake up and am thankful for those dreams that keep the tangible things about my parents alive.

I'm with you, Nanci (I was an orphan at 36). Losing both parents is something no one can understand until they've been there. What's worse is when you lose both parents and don't have any other family. I'm single, my siblings are estranged, no children -- just me against the world.

I got a puppy a year after my mom died because I couldn't bear the pain. Not quite the same, but it helps. I actually got her one year (to the date) after my mom's death and named her after my mom. I'm sure some folks think it's weird to name a dog after a dead parent, but I thought it was just natural and a great tribute.

And I have some vivid dreams with my folks in them -- usually guiding me in some way.