Herson -- my deepest sympathies. True, life will never be exactly the same, but we somehow manage to get through the pain, cherish the memories and move on. Tomorrow is the 7 year anniversary of my father's death from lung cancer. Diagnosed in January, died 2/11/2001. His father and his grandfather also died on February 11.

So allow yourself to grieve, but don't let grief dim the memories. Those you will cherish with increasing fervor with each passing day. And while life is not exactly the same, we somehow find new opportunities and challenges to make it all worthwhile. I'm sure you will take advantage of yours with the things your mother taught you. That is the ongoing gift that parents provide.

Again, my deepest sympathy.