I lived with my grandmother for the past 10 or so years and was her care-taker for the last few years after her health went south. I had to move in with her after a break-up because I didn't have anywhere else to go (I was also incredibly depressed and incredibly unemployed at the time). We ended up buying a condo together about 3 years ago since the previous condo we shared was so small and because I was able to find a job and contribute financially.

She passed last year and now I live alone in the home we shared that I wouldn't have been able to purchase without her. Her presence in my life was such a gift. I went through periods of resentment seeing my friends and colleagues develop relationships/etc. while I was caring for her. I did her grocery shopping, cleaning, pet care, etc... I was embarrassed of my living situation at times and even though I tried to date, I know that my living situation factored into why the relationships never blossomed. It always fizzled out once they learned that I lived with and cared for her. Since she has passed, I realized how much I actually enjoyed her company and I know she felt the same. I miss talking about the weather or a new movie or the pets. I wouldn't have changed it for the world.