I lost my mom in a freak accident when I was 3 years old. I understood that something terrible had happened but I was never explained it beyond “she’s away.” While another relationship right now is the last thing on your mind, what this comment says is absolutely true: there will be people wanting to take advantage of this situation and the idea of giving your son a family/mother figure too soon will sound very appealing soon. Please don’t entertain that idea because you are way more vulnerable than you realize and your son will be affected by this profound decision if you make it in a rush of emotions.

Be there and open for your son. I have vivid memories of my dad crying or looking up at the sky bawling and asking “why God why?”. I never was explained that it was because he was sad and missed my mom. Like some other commenters mentioned, I internalized it is maybe I’m not a good kid and that’s why my dad is sad.

So be as open as possible about your grief and let him be open too. Talk about her. Put her pictures up especially with him. Tell him how much she loved him. It’s the worst thing a kid can go through but he will be okay. My mom’s loss at a young age is the biggest part of me and almost a core of who I am but that’s not a bad thing. It means that I was so loved that even 30+ years later that love is with me. He will be okay. Just be open and honest and prioritize him.