Meghan,

You have my deepest sympathies!

My daughter is 23. She lost her father Nov. 6, 2014. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in March. Her reaction has been anger. She's mad that he was diagnosed and that he died. She was his "Princess". She watched him wither from a hale 230 lb, 6 foot man down to 155 lbs when he died. It's been very difficult for her.

My son is 25. His reaction has been to do everything his father did. To be the repairer of all that breaks. To maintain the house in addition to working...He took over his father's office, so that he can surround himself with memories.

Everyone reacts differently to death. You have the right to hurt. You have the right to cry. You have the right to be angry. Hopefully, with time, the pain won't be so sharp. Just know that you are not alone. Talk about your dad, to your family and friends. Encourage them to talk about him, share memories. Other people might not know how to talk with you, so you may need to lead them. Don't shut yourself off! You need to continue to "live". You would do him a great dis-service to give up. Honor and show how much you love your dad by being the best YOU you can be.