Parenting a young adult after the death of their other parent

[Julysadness]

DH has recently died after several
years of a serious illness that meant he was impaired both physically and cognitively. DS is 23 and has been hands on in helping me with his dad. (Not all the time - he has been away at uni) But he was just 18 when this first happened and I am aware he will not only have no dad from now on, but he has also missed out on that relationship as he moved from teenage to adult.
Has anyone else had to navigate something like this, and if so, what helped your DC? He is having some counseling which I hope will help.

This was me. About 20 years ago now. He will most likely just carry on as normal. At least some of the grieving will have been done. And there may well be relief they can be selfish. So expect them to act younger then they are and be selfish with emotions for a bit. Watch out for binge drinking although that isn't such a thing now. It may hit years and years later. The past 5 years I have done more grieving for my dad than ever before. I think I suddenly just had an realisation of how my dad would have been now and how (oh god how much) easier my life would have been if he was here. It's not very linear and I guess if he's also had to be a carer make sure he realises how that has made him stronger kinder and more resilient. I am also very ND and the grief certainly set me back years emotionally however I am also stronger than most other people and also very kind most of the time. I'm so sorry for the grief and the pain that hits in the heart. It has never really left me which I believe is common when you lose parents young.
Sending some love and some of that strength. X

Sorry foe your loss 😔

My children were much younger. I joined WAY Widowed and Young. They have local meetup groups all over UK and a large Facebook community.

The children of WAY members are also able to attend events and people are often able to provide suggestions based on their own experiences which may help your son.

Your son's university will also have a pastoral team who if you contact them can offer support.