My dad lived for 9 months. In those 9 months he was able to walk me down the isle, which was the most wonderful day of my life. I have a photo/ornament hanging from my rearview mirror of him walking me down the isle. It makes me feel so close to him.
I have received grief counseling, but I found it hard to talk to someone over and over again about the same problem when I felt she couldn't relate. I think maybe I should look into more group help, like you mentioned. I am also on antidepressants. They have helped tremendously, as I was not able to get through days and most nights without having obsessive thoughts of his passing, panic and depression.
I am sorry to hear that your mom passed away. I hope as time passes that the pain will get "softer" as I know it will never fully go away (or right now I can't imagine it going away). It helps to hear that in time things will get better. Thank you so much for reaching out to me. It means the world to me!!