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Orphaned
Thursday, October 23, 2025 by Sarah Schwerin

Categories: Life Lessons

It’s strange being an adult with no parents. Technically, I don’t need them. But I did for so long. They were always there, just in case a problem or question arose.

Mom and Dad are in a better place. I’m at peace with each of their passings. Yet sometimes, even when I’m surrounded by friends and family, I feel empty, lonely.

My parents moved from my childhood home over twenty years ago. But now I think about not being able to go home for the holidays.

The entire experience is strange. Something inside feels off, like a bad case of vertigo. A world tilted on its axis.

No one is left who thinks I’m the cutest baby that ever lived. No mom to call to help make a last-minute decision. No dad to ask what it was like spending summers with his grandparents. Questions I forgot to ask will remain unanswered.

All my senses tell me something is missing. Something has been severed from my life. It’s as if I’ve lost an arm or a leg. I can go on living, but life will never be the same.

My husband tells me that’s why we’ve made a new family. I have adult sons who are wonderful young men. Siblings and their spouses. Nieces. Nephews. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. A mother-in-law who’s like my own mom. Then, of course, there’s the family I chose. Friends and mentors who fill in the empty gaps in my life. I’m blessed to be surrounded by such a large and beautiful family.

Yet, an emptiness, a longing persists. An unfulfilled desire for a parent. Someone to wipe my forehead when I’m sick. Someone to call when I need a second opinion. Someone to go to when I’m sick of adulting. When I’ve had enough.

I have people in my life who fill those roles. Yet part of me wants to go back to being a kid who can find comfort in a parent’s arms.

Could it be that God made us with that desire for a reason?

In the biblical story of the prodigal son, a young man left home and began a new life. Yet, life wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be. He messed up and longed for a parent to fix everything. Then he realized he could go home.

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him,” (Luke 15:20 NLT).

Even though I no longer have earthly parents, my heavenly Father stands on the porch and waits for me to come home.

When we’ve had enough of this world and of being responsible adults. When our friends and family don’t meet our needs. When we are orphaned, no matter our age, we can turn to our heavenly Father. He shades His eyes from the sun and squints into the distance. Then He spots you. He knows it’s you because you were the cutest baby ever. A smile stretches across His face because He knew you were coming before you even set out on the journey. That’s when He runs toward you.

I will never be an orphan. And neither will you.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you,” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT).

*Thanks to pixabay.com for the picture.

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Comments

Yvonne Morgan From Oklahoma At 11/5/2025 2:24:57 PM

I’m sorry for your loss Sarah and can understand your feelings. My parents and my husband’s parents are gone too. But knowing we will all be together again someday keeps moving forward.

Reply by: Sarah Schwerin

You are so right. Thanks for reading!

Katherine Pasour From North Carolina At 11/5/2025 1:57:23 PM

I understand your feelings, Sarah. I miss my parents every day. But as you remind us, we have a loving and faithful heavenly Father and we're not orphans. Thank you for this message of love and hope.