I lost my only brother just over 10 weeks ago and am now an only child. I feel like I have lost a part of myself. My question to all the other now-only-childs out there is what do you say, when you meet new people and they ask if you have any brothers or sisters? I can’t bear to say “I had” or “used to have”. Is it too much to say “I have a brother but he died”? What have you found works for you? Thank you.
I’m so sorry for your loss –I know what it is like to lose your only brother. It’s so painful and I try to keep my smile going, but it hurts like hell on the inside. When the subject comes up I usually say that I’m an only child, which is so tough to do, but I know that my brother wouldn’t want me to go through the pain every time I get asked this. Once I get to know the person better I tell them the truth. I’ll be thinking about you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mike, Boston MA
I am so sorry you lost your brother. It is a hole that does not go away. – – He was part of you.
I just want to say that its absolutely your choice what you say to other people. To acquaintances you might simply say, “I have a brother”, and leave it at that.
Or you can say, “I have a brother, but he’s not here anymore” – or something of that nature. You don’t have to explain his or anything to anyone, unless you WANT to. It’s agonizing saying those words, “he died”, so I don’t always unless I am ready to.
I pray for peace for you, and healing. I know your hurt.
I understand totally how u feel. I am a only child now myself. I personally tell people that i am first meeting I have a brother its hard still even though its been over a year to say he passed because people always ask how. My only advice never go beyond what u are comfortable telling others.
My same issue..my only brother 1 year younger than myself. He committed suicide 12-3-16. These words haunt me. Very hard to say/type them. Not one second goes by that I am not haunted by his lack of existence.
12-3-15*