The year begins again, but for some it ends.
Alas, the people we took for granted, those we thought we would spend more time with, are no longer with us on this earth. Though we will go about our day with a brave face on to mask our dismay, the smallest things we see and touch remind us of their absence in our lives. Once again inflicting a wound on our psyche as we reminisce on what might have been and what we might have done, given a second chance.
However, life must go on and the living must take care of the living. The scars of your passing will remain, but the pain will fade with time. But, may it be known that you will continue living within our hearts and that you will never truly be gone because of that.
It is not easy to deal with grief, especially one so sudden. I find that surrounding myself with friends and family who understand you and are willing to give you the much needed space to recover, helped me the most with dealing with the shock. Sometimes just a friendly presence is what you need, as well wishes and advice could at times be taken the wrong way as criticism, despite the best of intentions. Try to remember the fond memories made to together, rather than the sorrow of their passing away.  To those mourning for the dearly departed, know that you are not alone.
In Loving Memory, Rest In Peace.
“Amicitiae nostrae memoriam spero sempiternam fore” – Cicero