Saturday, January 10, 1998: The day I officially became an orphan.

[NightTrain]

On Tuesday, January 6th, my father--a lifelong smoker--was diagnosed with lung cancer. Two days later, he couldn't breathe and was rushed to the hospital via ambulance. In the E/R that horrid Thursday morning, dad--breathing only with mechanical assistance--told me, "I'm not coming out of here alive."

He was right. At 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10th, dad went into cardiac arrest. A team of doctors and nurses attempted to revive him, but their efforts were in vain. My surviving parent was gone. He had lived exactly 62 years and five months.

I was 31 years old, unmarried, an only child, and was now an orphan.

I can't believe it's been seven years since my father died. And on January 31st, it'll be my mother's 11th death anniversary! Where the hell does the time go?

[Lithos]

1. My condolences

I know exactly where you are as our circumstances are fairly similar.

L-

[shesemsmom]

2. I am sorry

I hope that knowing you have friends here gives some comfort:hug:

[koneko]

3. My condolences

I am so sorry to hear that. I can't imagine that time would help much when death involves your parents.

[hickman1937]

4. I wish I knew.

They say the worst thing that can happen is to lose a child, followed closely by losing a spouse. I don't know, no one ever talks about losing the only people in your world that, when you land on your face, they don't just take you in, but they think "O.K, maybe he/she has screwed up, but their my beloved screw-up. I'll take care of them." How do you live in a world without that? I wish I had words of comfort NightTrain, but I'm still trying to figure it out too.

[CO Liberal]

5. I'm Sorry, Too

My mother's been gone since September of 1998, and my father since October of 1991. My two sisters don't talk to me any more, so I'm essentially an orphan.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

6. You just reminded me to call my Father tomorrow.

Thank you.

I'm sorry for your losses. :hug:

[fluffernutter]

7. i'm sorry

i know what you mean about time ... you are in my thoughts today and the rest of the month, i know how hard it must be for you.

[TOhioLiberal]

8. It hasn't been that long for me yet...

Oct 3, 2004 my mom died. Her b'day was Dec 8th, would have been 71. Some days I don't know if I'm coming or going. I hope it gets easier, but I suspect you'll tell me, 'Not really, TL' :cry:

[NightTrain]

9. Only three months for you, huh?

It does get easier over time, but you'll never forget. Nor would you want to! :pals:

[TOhioLiberal]

10. I hope I remember her...

but forget her passing. It was just horrible.