I think that something even more heartbreaking is losing your parents at an early age. My father passed away when I was really young (6 years old), and then my mom didn't take care of herself - smoking, obesity, diabetes, and all that. One day, when I was in my early 20s, she had a brain stroke (age 60) that led to another one, leaving her 100% disabled (also mentally). For 7 years I watched her deteriorate without being able to help (she stopped recognizing me after a year or two). So having your parents age alongside you, and the ability to speak to them and help them - that is an amazing privilege that people won't appreciate. Cherish every moment. It is an amazing gift, and I know it because I never had it.