Sometimes we have to do what your doing to get through the present moment and move on. I know in the past I've had to cut the emotional cord and look at people as if they they were someone I didn't personally know to get through. But, in the end, I was always able to come full circle and recognize them as the person I knew and loved. And...... I still love them.
In time, Zoo, you'll be able to put all your thoughts and feelings in perspective and it won't hurt so bad.