Dear Black Moon,

I don't know exactly how we come to accept tragic loss. People say "Time heals all wounds", but I personally don't believe this. I lost my husband when he was only 49, almost 2 years ago, and to this day, I wake up some mornings feeling the same physical and emotional symptoms that come with deep grief. I am still grieving for what was and what may have been.

I go to a survivor's grief support group. I realized I could not do this on my own, nor was I meant to. In my support group, it helps me to know that I am not alone in my grief. I have been comforted and I have comforted others.

"Grief work" or the concept of learning how to deal with all the thoughts, feelings, and emotions concerning death in a manner which promotes true healing is available. I found this book to be very, very helpful:

http://www.amazon.com/Grief-Recovery.../dp/0060952733

I also attended a grief recovery workshop which was very, very, helpful:

http://www.grief-recovery.com/Worksh...l_workshop.htm

And lastly, a website and forum for survivor's of suicide - this helped me greatly after my best friend committed suicide and helped me with the enormous guilt that I carried:

http://www.survivorsofsuicide.com/

There are people who know exactly how you feel - who will never judge you or tell you "to get over it". Participating in doing the work of grief with guidance and counsel, has been very helpful to me. I wish you all the best, Laurie