))))))) )) montygirl ((((((( ( ( hey, so sorry you lost a dear friend.
I agree with the others : you were a great boon to her in her final years. What a precious gift for both of you.

Death is such a finality. BAM, even if expected,leaves such a vacuum for us to deal with in our grief. Do you have others in your life who do this work too, that you could form a support group with? Burnout is a real issue.

Some people fear grief so much they won't take the risk to love somebody or something. My Mom won't have a pet because she knows they'll die. Sad way to go about life, IMHO.

I would rather go through the gauntlet of feelings and get through to the other side, myself. And, I have a shipload of great memories to prove it!!!!

SAVE THE EARTH: IT'S THE ONLY PLANET WITH CHOCOLATE !!
(I love this ^bumper sticker!)