Have they been formally adopted?
I may be way off base, but since you're not 17 anymore, and if they don't legally adoptive parents, doesn't that mean you can adopt them?

I'm really sorry for your loss, idk how I would have managed if I were in your shoes.

Keep reaching out for the support that you need, you shouldn't have to deal with such a traumatic loss on your own.



PS. You are the only mother they knew, and thats what counts.