Hey special,
I read this thread and I want you to know my heart goes out to you. Erica definately sounds like a sweet girl and a good friend to you and what you're feeling is perfectly normal. It's only been a few months and grieving someone without closure is a very hard and painful process. I had a similiar experience a few years ago... a good friend of mine (and I have very very few real friends in real life) passed away similiar to how yours did. It's still painful to think about but I can promise you with time things do get better... you are doing the best thing you can do and grieving by honoring her in this thread.
Talking to you in chat I can tell you are a very caring and loving girl and I know your friend wouldn't want you to be in pain right now... you need to focus on yourself and know that over time you can find happiness again. I hope you had a great Christmas and your new year brings you that happiness!