The short answer
Many people describe it that way, whatever their age. With both parents gone, the two people who had known you longest are gone, and you may now be the oldest generation in your family.
Grief for the parent who died first can return as well. Everyone feels grief in their own way, and help is there if it doesn't ease.
This chapter describes what some adult children report. It is not medical or mental-health advice. If you have thoughts of not wanting to be here, call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. Veterans, service members and their families and friends can dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
In the full chapter
The chapter explains what exists and what to ask, then ends with what to do, what can wait so you can set it aside, and who can answer the questions that are yours alone.
The rules, phone numbers and web addresses in this book were checked against the agencies’, courts’ and organizations’ own pages in October 2026. Where a rule differs by state, the book names one state as an example. Check anything you rely on with the office itself.
From Book 7: The Second Parent
This page has the short answer from chapter 9. The full chapter explains, in plain words, what exists, what to ask, and who can answer. The book covers after the second death after the death.
Questions near this one
Other questions on related subjects, from this book and the others.
- What do I tell my employer, and what about me? Book 1, The First Month
- Why is my parent's grief different from mine? Book 6, Your Surviving Parent
- What is different the second time? Book 7, The Second Parent
- What if the death has revealed memory problems? Book 6, Your Surviving Parent
Hear when The Second Parent is out
A short note when each book is out. Five or six emails a year at most. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.