Merry, Thank you, I would welcome that hug! I’m sorry about your niece, it sounds like you were close to her. It's so tragic with young people, with so much life ahead of them.

I know what you mean about writing down your emotions. I have had so many of them over the past year, and also found it difficult to write them down. Shortly after losing my son, I found a clergyman who has helped me immensely, and brought meaning back to my faith. I do find much solace in that. I have not been able to attend a grief group, but am hoping that eventually I can do that. Yoga is another outlet that has helped me more than I would have realized. My dog is also great therapy, as I’m sure your cat is to you. Animals are amazing at how they instinctively know what we need.

Thank you for reaching out….it is such a comfort to know others are out there.