Just thought that I would write a little "pearl of wisdom" re-inforcing that
grief does indeed get a little better with the passing of time.  I  know
that there are a lot on the NG at the moment that are further behind me on
the path of grief.

Yesterday was the 28th and for the first time in 8 months I did not shed a
tear, for me the 28th marks another month since Tony died, and I am now up
to number 8.  Usually, a few days before the date approaches I feel a sense
of foreboding and become more tearful but not this time.  I still thought a
lot about Tony and our time together and then about his illness and his
suffering, but for once, I was not filled with the usual despair and it was
not the sole focus of my day.  I don't take it as a sign that I am
forgetting him (as if!), more that it is part of the acceptance that he is
no longer with me and my life, and the girls, have started to evolve without
him.

Grief is a horrible thing and the process can take people in any number of
ways.  But I do truly believe that time is a healer of our pain, it may not
seem like it at the very beginning, when the tears flow endlessly and days
are filled with despair, but little by little our wounds do heal, a smile
begins to lurk and some of the sadness lifts.

We will never forget those that we have loved but "to have loved and lost is
better than never to have loved at all" (sorry - another cliche!)

Take care and Great Big Whopping Hugs to all.

Alayne