Has anyone out there lost their whole family? I mean all your immediate relatives have died. How do you cope?

Question

I am 32 now but by the age of 27 my whole family had died one way or another. I have no mother, father, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents or cousins. I am ok but sometimes I really feel I am missing out on what family can offer and I just wondered if there was anyone else like that out there and how you deal with those moments of loneliness? What do you do to fill in the bits that are missing?

I should also add that I am not married or in a relationship and also have no children.

I do find the holidays the hardest time of year and some inspiration of something to do for that time of year would also be appreciated.

Answer 1

I have no family. My father died 10 years ago. My mother died last year and I've been alone since. I am an only child. No one else. No husband (divorced), no kids. I have some really distant relatives but they live 3000 miles away. So I don't really consider them family. I have not seen them since I was a kid and I'm in my mid 40's now. Yes, I am lonely for family sometimes. Especially around the holidays. I have friends invite me over for dinner, but I usually make excuses to not go - mainly because I don't want to interfere with their family time. I generally cook a meal for myself and eat by myself. It sounds sad, but it's not too bad. If I get really lonely, I go to the mall and interact with other people. That always helps. I also work and I enjoy interacting with my co-workers.

I have friends that I go out with sometimes, but it's not the same as family. I had family when I was married because my spouse had a large family. That went away when the divorce was final. So now I am alone. But you know, it's OK. My father always told me that the only one you can count on is #1. #1 is yourself.

Answer 2

baby girl, i'm sorry to hear that. this is only force you to be a stronger person without any support. all you have left are friends to be the shoulder when you need it. it sounds like you're a strong woman. there is a tough road ahead. i'm sure you'll manage.