Mike, my deepest sympaties to you, your father, family and your mothers friends.

I too lost my mother after a long battle. I know from my own experience that there isn't anything that anyone can say that will ease the pain, or lessen the weight on your heart.

Even after 6 years, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her and miss her. Like your wife, my birthday was effected to, as my mother passed away 3 days before my birthday.

Like you, I spent time right away with my father, who had been with my mother of 53 years.

It is difficult, very difficult.

After a year or so, I started looking at things just a little differently. I tried to let go of the memories of her final days and just remember all of the things throughout my life with her that mattered. You will be amazed at all of the wonderful memories that come back to you. I like to think that I will see her again, in another time and another place.

We each learn to deal with the change in our own ways. One thing that my family doesn't understand, is that I stopped visiting the cemetary on the anniversary of her passing with them. Instead, I now go on her birthday. One day, out of the blue a thought came to me. "Why on earth am I mourning her leaving this world, when I should celebrate her coming into the world" For me, this helped alot. So I visit the cemetary on her birthday and on Mother's Day.

I know exactly how you are feeling Mike, as do many of us here. Please know I am wishing you peace of heart in this difficult time. My deepest condolences.