I think that friendships are very valuable Dan and I am sorry to hear that your friend has gone back home. I understand what it's like to be separated by distance with true friends and it can be quite painful. The fact that you two were close confidents I can understand would hurt you more, regardless of the fact that you have an MI, means no less or no more when true friendships are formed.

1000 miles away is far

I don't know how long this will last.

I've moved continents a number of times, which is why I relate to your post. My true friends that I found and I became close to, I was separated by distance.

But somehow or other, there are ways and means you can find in order to maintain a sense of contact. It's a global world we live in connected by the internet. As much as you could be continents away from where I'm living right now

No, this is absolutely not the same or any kind of substitute for what you feel when you go into work, the emotional void. So I don't know how long this will last. But remember, the workplace is a dynamic and changing environment. People come and go (put the fact that your friend left aside for a sec). You just don't know who could be joining your organisation in a month, or 6 months for now.

My wish for you is that you will maintain contact with your close friend. And admist the pain be able to form new relationships too.

Let us know how you go.