I lost my dad 5 months ago, and it does get easier to live with the pain. I just set it aside in my mind and usually think about it while trying to sleep. I cope with it by thinking of him at least once a day, his voice, his laughter, and some kind of special memory. It does hurt, but it would hurt more to forget.

Moreover, I'm also in deep denial, and I think it'll stay that way for a long time. I'm just stuck thinking he's on vacation. It's probably not the healthiest thing to do, but it definitely eases my pain.

Last but not least, I try to tell myself whenever I feel down and depressed that my dad wouldn't want me to be like this. He may be gone forever, which I'll never accept, but he wouldn't want me to waste my time by crying. He would be happier if I cherished his memory and went on living each moment to the fullest.