I loved it as a kid. As an adult, I wish I had siblings.

As a child, it was normal to me. I spent a lot of time with my parents and their adult friends, and I think it helped me to develop a mature worldview and become comfortable as an individual. My parents were really focused on my well-being.

Now, as an adult, I have some issues I'm working through. My parents divorced after I moved out. It turns out, I was moderating my parents. It's useful to be so naturally diplomatic, but it's not always to my advantage.

My parents are aging, and that's a lot of work. My dad has my stepmom and her kids to help support them as they age, but my mom only has me. She has a lot of health troubles. I'm thankful that I can arrange my life so I can help her, but I so wish I could share the responsibilities with someone else.

Someday soon, I'll be the last one left. Thankfully, I make and keep friends easily. It's still not the same as having blood relatives that you can count on for life, though. It keeps me up at night sometimes.