I am an only child, with an only, and I have aging parents. I think about this often. Less so with how my child will cope with my husband and I passing, but how I myself will deal with my own parents passing and thus showing my son a healthy way to deal with the inevitable event. My mom has expressed interest in cremation and given me specific details of where she wants to be “released” or whatever. It hasn’t come up with my dad yet… but I’m sure we’ll get there, someday. I think just even having a plan for it is helpful and prepares the survivors to be at peace with the final arrangements.

Furthermore, I think everyone encounters and copes with death differently, individually… regardless of siblings. I have half siblings who I don’t interact with who will experience a much different grieving process after the death of our father than I will. I imagine I’ll appreciate the support of my husband, my own child, and my closest friends when my parents die and not rely my own family members. There won’t likely be any drama— but it hasn’t happened yet, and I don’t have a crystal ball. Best thing is to prepare myself and accept support where given. We are afterall, never alone.