Dear Marie,

I am an only child as well and lost my mom 6 months ago which feels like two hours ago.  My mom was my life too and my best friend.  Life is not the same without her and my heart hurts daily.  My faith is the only thing that keeps me going each hour.  I miss her terribly for she was my strength and joy in life.  I know that from this day forward, my life will never be like it was without her; however, I know deep within me, she would  not want me to just exist.  It is hard to move on without her kind voice and just to see her gave me happiness.  We were homebound and I took care of her for 12 years, 24/7 without any regrets, for I loved her very much.  Where do you put the love now?  It is still within me for her, but she is not here to receive it and it hurts.  Hospice has helped me some, realize I am not going crazy in my thinking or things that I do now.  They are all normal and my griefshare class agrees as well.  I feel like I belong with people who have been thru this.  My heart actually hurts and it was confirmed by a doctor that you can have a broken heart.  I am not looking for ward to the holidays which will be my first without her.  How do I handle them but I realize I have to take one hour at a time.  I know how you are feeling for your words are mine.  If I knew how to make it feel better, I would tell you, but I can't and it is a journey all our own.  You are a survivor in your health and I know you will be survivor in life, as I am trying to do.  Maybe we can do it together.  Please accept my condolences for your loss and know you are not alone.  Karen C.