This is so true. Mothers are so often the glue the holds families together and often do it quietly, without expectation of praise. Your friends are right, time heals (it is really the only thing that can). My Dad passed in 2020 and I've grown accustomed to him not being here over the past four years -- I laugh, experience joy, remember the good times we had together, but life isn't quiet the same without him. I think you learn to continue the relationship you once shared with them that way, through the memories. I carry his driver's license in my wallet so a little piece of him is with me always. Try to hang in there and keep doing all the things that help you heal. I keep closer tabs on my Mom now, talk with her twice a day and make sure she has the things she needs. She often struggled quietly those first few years and it took a lot of prodding to get her to tell me the truth about what she was going through and what she needed. Helping to take care of her has helped me with my own grief too, I think. Hugs to you.
I can't fathom it. Whenever something really cool happens I tell Dad. Where does that energy go?
That's lovely. I guess we are blessed we had good relationships with our fathers. Your Mum must sure appreciate you. I feel the same - going to Mums to share the pain and memories helps a lot. And the house still feels as if he is in it and has just gone surfing or something.