Stacy - I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend to such a brutal disease. I hope that in time the grief will be softened a little by the memories you have of the happier times that you both shared. I'm glad you found this forum and the compassionate people who who can understand the hurt that comes with losing a loved one. It does help to share your feelings. . . and to know that others care.

Eric - Losing Tom (Charm2017) left such a void for so many of us. It's only been a little over a month and I still miss him and grieve his passing. I only knew him over the years through his wonderful style of expression, his intelligence, his compassion, and his love of family. I surprised myself at the tears I shed and how deeply I felt his passing, - that I could care so much for someone I had never met. But Tom had that effect on us. Sharing the sadness or the happy times helps all of us. I will always remember something that you said a while back which has helped me to make room in my head for some happy memories:
<<Writing does that for me, putting my thoughts down to release them out of my head.>>