Babs,

I was recently in the situation that you are now in. It sucks. I'm not an only child but I may as well have been. I found myself having a lot of responsibility that I didn't have before. I was sad beyond anything I had ever experienced but yet these new responsibilities required me to put my sadness behind me and deal with it later.

In the mornings when I was getting ready for work I had to tell myself....I can do this. I'm strong. I can't fall apart today. Dad needs to know that I'm ok. Dad needs to know that I'm here for him and Mom. Dad needs to know that if they need help that I'm there.

You should try to build a support network. Do you have any close relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins) that could help you with your mother? How about close friends that you could talk about the situation with? I found great support from my friends. I even made new friends with people who had lost a parent. They shared their experiences with me and it helped me to realize that others had been through this before and they were ok and that I would be ok too. Sometimes it just helps to have someone to share your fears with.

This forum is also a great place to get support. Just know that you are not alone. Feel free to PM me anytime. I'll lbe happy to listen and help if I can. Hang in there.

Hugs,

Joy