My parents both died when I was a child, I was orphaned. 
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that! While it's certainly not something to hope for, know that you're in good company. Many celebrated writers, businessmen and world leaders are also orphans.
Really? I didn't know that. Can you tell me an example? 
Nelson Mandela was an orphan! Although it isn't clear if he lost both parents because the United Nations will classify someone as an orphan due to the loss of one parent.
Oh, that's interesting. I didn't know that, I thought a person had to lose both parents. Any other well known orphans?
Edgar Allen Poe was also an orphan. I'm not sure if his parents died or if they abandoned him.