Anybody out there lost almost everyone in their family and find themselves lonely?

Question

I've got my own children...and I've got a brother left. But all Grandparents...Parents..One sibling ..Aunts Uncles...all gone.
Any suggestions or just comments about coping with this type of tragedy?

Answer 1

Debbie Jo, my family has dealt with many losses. My mother passed away in 2002, our 29 yr old daughter passed away in 2003, my father and my mother in law both passed away just within the last 3 months. We have no grandparents now, most all of our aunts and uncles are deceased, but my husband and I do have one son, 4 wonderful grandchildren, and brothers and sisters in each of our families to enjoy. It is very lonely at times. Our phone doesn't ring as often and I miss my daughter terribly and miss my phone conversations with my father each evening.

How does our family cope? We know without a doubt we will see them again one day in Heaven because we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, asked Him to come into our life, forgive us of our sins, and help us get through each day. When you have God to lean on, He grieves with you. He helps you get through each day. You must let go and say to God "I can't go through this grief without your help and I trust you to help me and bring happiness and peace back into my life". Give your grief to God and let Him help you through this. He will give you peace and comfort more than you can ever imagine.

There is also a website which helped us tremendously. It is called Grief Share. Sign up for their free email which comes to your inbox every day with thoughts about dealing with the loss of loved ones. They will not spam you; you will only receive one email a day for one year only. They do not ask for your address or telephone, only your first name and email address. http://www.griefshare.org

I hope my information helps and you receive comfort and peace through trusting in God. BB and JB

Answer 2

I totally agree with Jazzie. In 1987, I lost my only living grandparent and my dad in the same year. A month later, I almost lost my mom and aunt in a car accident. My mom died a few years later, as did the aunt and uncle I was closest to. Way too much, way too soon.

I know your question isn't necessarily about grief but about loneliness. I have my husband and my sister now. I don't think there's any easy answer except taking one day at a time. Reach out to people with similar interests. I have a good friend who I consider more family than just a friend. Good friends help a lot. I am sorry you are going through this. We are trying to have kids, but it makes me sad that they will grow up not knowing my parents. I try to focus on the fact that my family is small, but we're loving. My pets also fill a big void in my life.

Not too much help, but just wanted to let you know there are those of us in similar situations. Take care.

Answer 3

It might help if you can build a broader definition of 'family'. Sometimes bonds between people who share no blood relationship can be as strong (or stronger) than blood realtions.
One good way to bring people into your life in a serious way is to look for someone who needs something that you can offer. Such as a disabled person who may need help with daily living, or a child without parents (have you considered the Big Brother Program?)
What most often happens when we commit to 'standing in the gap' for someone else is that we find our emotional needs being met to a greater degree than we thought possible.

Answer 4

Hi debbie jo. I am almost afraid to answer your question because I would never want to tell you the wrong thing to do. But like you I have known both loss and the fear of tomorrow. I found the only real way to get through it was to be honest about the reality, have a plan for what I was going to do about it, have as many good people around to help me as I could find, and then believe in myself as someone who was alive and who as going to be ok. Then I just did it one day at a time. So can you!

Answer 5

Your never alone, learn to recognize the blessing you have. Children alone are such a blessing. I'm a single parent with two beautiful daughters, two brothers, a step sister. Yet, my parents are gone too. I don't see my brothers or sister. Although, I've been blessed with a wonderful church family, I can't even began to explain, how much I truly do have. So in answer to your question, look around and appreciate what you do have. Don't worry about what you don't.

Answer 6

God Bless You..I can only imiation how your are feeling..I've been grateful so far and still have all of my family.But know one thing you will see them again and even though their gone in the flesh they are still with you and I do believe that..Just love the ones that are there now and remember the rest of your family is not so far away..They will always be in your heart..♥