Kathryn, great answer!

I also agree about the grieving process. It is such an individual process. My mom died about a year and a half ago and my 3 sisters, brother, and I are all managing, but differently.

My brother still has a tough time going to Mom and Dad's...odd that I still call it that.

Another thing that is often a shame is that unless we are willing to share timing, etc. with friends, they are left out of the loop of what we are feeling. I wish I could get organized enough to mark the death of family and friends on my calendar so on the year anniversary I would make it a point to phone them. Until you go through it, you don't realize the emotions associated with dates.

My mom died on St. Patrick's Day and I was raised Irish/Catholic so some of my frieds remembered and I was so touched.