This is my first Christmas without my beloved.

[annabanana]

My life is floating on a sea of tears since May. I am making a small Christmas for the boys, but there are landmines everywhere. Someone please tell me this gets easier with time....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear annabanana...

I have not yet walked your path...

But what I'm told is that, yes, it does get easier with time.

Are you in a bereavement group? A girlfriend of mine participated in one, and it helped her enormously. She lost the feeling of being so alone, of feeling that nobody could understand her grief.

How I wish I could really help.

[annabanana]

2. I'm not in a group.

I've never really been a "groupish" sort of person. If I can't get my head above water after a year, I shall surely go searching. But for now I'm letting the waves of sorrow sort of wash over me... and there is sweetness in there too...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Whatever works for you.......and it sounds as though that is. Good!

[DeadLetterOffice]

4. I'm not sure 'easier' is the right word.

Different. Less acutely painful all the time. The tears become less frequent -- a creek rather than a river. The joy of remembering starts to outweigh the pain. The landmines get less 'everywhere' and more 'here and there.'

But it takes longer than you want it to, longer than the world wants to give you. And you never 'get over' it. You learn to live with it, learn to accept the 'new normal,' you move through and many find peace again, yes, but you never 'get over' it. Don't let anyone tell you you're supposed to, either.

[annabanana]

5. Thank you DLO

I know you understand.

[Skittles]

6. time does not heal all wounds but it does make them easier to bear

get busy with the boys and make the best out of this holiday season; treat yourself and them to something extra in memory of your beloved

[PasadenaTrudy]

7. This is my fourth

Xmas without my sister and mom. My sis died two days before Xmas in 2010. I'm weepy, it's hard. I do fine all year then this. It is really cold here now, at least for SoCal, and the cold reminds me of her last days. I'll be glad when the holidays are over! Peace be with you, you are not alone, I know what you are going through...

[annabanana]

8. Peace to you, too, P.Trudy..

There is some solace in the multitudes who have walked this road.