I lost my mother when I was 9 years old and my father when I was 14. My grandmother raised me until I was 18 when she passed away as well. Now I am a 36 year old woman and have had many years to cope and grieve. I struggled for years with feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and fears of homelessness. I reached a point, however, many years ago where I finally felt as though I had both feet on the ground...thanks to God! I am stable, joyful, and content...most days...perhaps 362 days out of the year to be exact lol! However, there are those days, perhaps three days out of the entire year, when I exhibit behavior that I wonder is a lingering effect of being a child orphan. Are there any adults here who wonder the same thing? If so, what are some behaviors or emotions you still struggle with into adulthood that you think is a result of being a child orphan? For example, I have a hard time with celebrating my birthday. Mainly because it is a reminder that the people who gave me birth are not in my life and are not here to celebrate with me. I like to avoid it some years altogether. I get really sad on that day...still...even though I am 36 years old. Also, when I enter a dating relationship I develop anxiety over my domestic abilities. I feel insecure because I did not learn to cook or take care of a home under the guidance of my mother, like so many other women. I worry that there are some "secrets" to cooking or homemaking that other women have who grew up with their mothers, which I am missing out on! Any others have similar issues or concerns? Any other lingering effects as an orphan child?