Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Maryellen. I agree. Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a life changing experience. And the hardest part, is to carve out a 'new normal' in life. I'm also reminded of a famous saying that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% our reaction to it. Our loved one will always live in our heart and memory, and only we can decide what we do with this experience. After time has passed and the wounds of grief have started to heal, we can ask, will it make us bitter or better? The loss stinks, but can we use it for good?
You've done a great job at being there to help others on this site and I am truly grateful.