This post was just metaphorically speaking.

But YOU are still HERE! Recover the best you can and start moving forward.

I've lost an 18 year old son and a spouse of almost thirty years. And both parents. None were easy.

Sometimes, We were a free range family and did a lot on our own. My dad died first and suddenly and, yes, it was sad but that's to be expected. My mom died some 15 years later and, again, sad but natural. When my partner died that was very traumatic for me but if I pinned she would come back and kick my butt. We agreed to have memories but to get on with our lives. However, her father lived to see 4 of his children and his wife die. The last one was my partner who was the only girl and the most loved one. That actually killed him. I only have 1 daughter who is only 43 and in good health. I don't know how I would feel should happen to her.

So true. I had not thought of this before, but it's completely true.

No...can’t agree. We only lose a part of ourselves when we lose those we love most...we must never totally be dominated by what we are in relationship to others, even them. The part of us that we lose can never be restored, but we can still be wholly loving and complete people by doing what they would want us to do....living our lives to the fullest, never forgetting them, keeping their memory alive by thinking and talking of them in happy times. If we don’t, especially after the loss of a spouse or child, then we will have failed them. I very recently lost my elder son, I still have my younger one and my grandchildren and for that I am grateful, despite my sadness at losing my big handsome Graeme, I can take joy in remembering his 40 years with me. My future...and my present are totally in my own hands, I can make of them what I wish, and my wish is to make them as filled with love and joy as possible.

Agreed

Well by that logic I don't even exist.