I lost both my parents in the course of the last 9 weeks .   As an only child I’ve often felt alone and somewhat isolated, but with the loss of both my parents, I feel that loneliness and isolation in a most keen way.  Like an encroaching seedling has been planted inside me and left to take over every available space in my heart, mind and soul filling me with sadness, despair and an aching that seems like it will never ever fade.  This seedling has illusive roots that can’t be completely found or eradicated.

This loss and level of aloneness has left me feeling completely unanchored. That piece of me, the touchstone of my entire life, is gone.  And there is nothing else in my life that has that kind of strength, that kind of history. It often feels like a stiff wind will just pick me up and…