Sorry for your loss Grady. I would hate to think of my wife not being there. If you don't already know about the stages of grieving, I recommend looking it up (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%BCbler-Ross_model)
I learned of this while taking a crisis intervention class. I think it is pretty accurate, and I've looked at it when my dad died, and other people. I think it helps to know where you are in the progression. Everyone is different, and you don't necessarily move swiftly through the stages. Many times you go backward to a previous stage, then back. Anyway, I feel for you, and hope this information helps.

Your friend, and fellow arch conservative!

John

>I seem to be emerging from my funk, so just to let you know.
>My wife passed away October 8th. The past few weeks
>have not be easy and I'm sure there will be the odd funky
>day from time to time. Nevertheless I plan to plow through
>the emotional moments and carry on being a grumpy right
>winger. It's the only way to be properly old. :))
>
>My daughter and I have been prepared for this by the
>doctors and nurses involved with her care, for a couple
>of years. Even with our readiness for the event, when
>it happened it still knocked the stuffing out of us. I've
>tried to figure out a way to describe how I feel and the
>best word I can come up with is 'abandoned'. Very
>strange, but somehow it seems to be the most fitting
>description.
>
>Nuff said.