Becoming an Orphan: Lovingly Letting Our Parents Go

Are you heading into the unknown world of adult orphanhood? Helping your parents as they age and eventually leave this world can be difficult. While caring for them perfectly isn’t a realistic expectation, it is possible for you to let them go without losing sight of kindness and compassion for them and for yourself. When parents begin to need assistance, the path from mild annoyance to feeling totally overwhelmed can change in an instant. Given the combination of family dynamics, health concerns, and current life responsibilities, it should be little surprise that there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Emotions run high. Friction between siblings, parents, and caregivers can quickly intensify as everyone tries to map out what they think is the best plan of action. Amidst the struggle to fix the situation, love often gets left out of the equation, which can later lead to regret, remorse, and strained family relationships. Having lost her father at a young age and then much later assisting her mother through the last years of her long life, author Ingrid Hanson-Popp offers soulful advice and practical tips through her own story and the stories more than a dozen friends who are fellow orphans – those who have entered the new world of a life without mom or dad. – Discover resources and strategies to guide you during the season of letting your parents go. – Realize how compassion can help you successfully navigate the uncharted waters of grief and becoming an adult orphan. – Learn tips to care for yourself while caring for your aging parents. When you feel lost in this process, let the experiences and advice of others who have gone before you give you direction and hope on your own road to Becoming an Orphan.