Hi everyone, I don't know if this is in the right category or not, but here it is anyway.
I'll start off by introducing myself. I'm in my early 20s. I'm the youngest of 4 siblings in my family. My siblings are all a lot older than I am (mid 30s), so they sometimes treat me like the baby of the family. Since I was very young, I was very aware of the fact that when I get old, I'll most likely be the last surviving member of my family simply due to the age difference. The fear of being alone was and still is always on my mind.
Of course, I understand that over the course of my lifetime, I'll be building a family of my own. But I know I'll still miss the "original" family I grew up with.
This fear has become more prominent lately with my parents showing signs of old age. My dad (early 60s) will be entering surgery in a few months. His outlook on life isn't as positive as it used to be. He doesn't expect himself to live much longer due to poor health... And my mother, who will turn 60 soon, has also shown signs of "giving up." She isn't as determined as she used to be. She isn't as energetic and her body aches... I sense my father's declining health is having a negative effect on my mother's outlook on life as well...
I'm sad to see the future I have been dreading unfolding so rapidly and so soon. I'm scared and I really don't want to have to think about this. I feel like my siblings have had more time to spend with my parents while they were young and active.
I'm trying to cherish the time we have left together as a "complete" family, but it isn't easy with everyone living in different places. Sorry I know it's a bit of a downer
but I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. I'd appreciate any input.
Cheers