Question: How can I prepare myself for the worst? My mother is 76 and my father is 80. I think I could cope with my father's death but there is no way I could live without my mother. I think I would just have to kill myself is she died. I'm quite young (30) even though my parents are elderly. I think about it every day, I can't bear it. How can i possibly prepare myself for the inevitable? Any words of advice would be a comfort to me. Thank you!

Answer: I don't think you can really be prepared. I agree with someone who said enjoy them now. I knew we were going to loose my Dad. I was very close to him. After many, many months it dawned on me, that he was gone physically, but what he taught me and gave me (the love, the nuturing) no one could ever take that away. I hold onto that. And he is still with me in my heart and mind every day, and this is how I fianally came to terms with it. He's not gone to me at all. I may not be able to talk to him, but he's with me in my thoughts always. That can't be taken from me. I'm a part of him in many ways. I think this is the nature of life. Keep what they gave you in spirit. You're stronger than you think you are. Just enjoy them now.
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