My Story: Why I started this blog

Losing my parents at a young age left me feeling alone and lost. This is my story and why I started this blog for parentless adults seeking connection and healing. 

Growing Up Alone

Hi, I’m Brooke. I started this blog to share what I’ve learned from growing up with loss, and what life has taught me along the way. When you have no parents, you become your own mother, your own father, your own emergency contact. It can feel utterly isolating.

I know the feeling of emptiness after loss. I know what it’s like to rage, to grieve, to feel embarrassed, guilt-ridden, and wish for the normal childhood I never had. If you relate, you are not alone. Millions of us understand that heartbreak and loneliness.

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The Loss That Shaped Me

My father died when I was 12. I found him myself. That moment changed who I am forever. After him, both my grandmothers passed, one from lung cancer, the other from dementia.

At 14, my brother took his life in my sister’s garage. Shortly after, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she passed when I was 16, on my first day of junior year. Life as I knew it ended, and I had to survive on my own.

I moved in with my uncle and his wife after my mom’s death. They promised support but eventually kicked me out after my freshman year of college, leaving me to figure life out alone.

Finding Hope and Connection

I share this not to burden you, but to let you know: you are not alone. Even when life feels like there is no spark, we have to keep living, find joy, and honor those we’ve lost. Loss is heavy, but love was even greater.

Remember, when you feel empty, we can create community. We can support each other. You are not alone.

Join Me on This Journey

Let’s keep living, together. Join me on this lifelong journey of healing and connection.

Content Disclaimer:

This post is based on personal experience and reflection. It is not professional, medical, or mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please seek support from a licensed professional or local resource.

Author Note:

I share this to let you in on my pain, my suffering, my nights of crying, and my days when life feels like there is no spark left. I share it to let you know you are not alone if you have experienced loss. There are people like us everywhere, and we have to remind ourselves to keep going. Life will not stop just because we lost people we love and half our hearts are missing. Even if we can’t keep going, life will. We have to think of them, and they would tell us to live. Keep living. Find your joy.

Thank you for being here and I hope some of these words can help you.

With support,
Brooke
A child who still needs her parents.