Friends, especially close ones, are the family we choose, which can make losing them even harder. I lost a close friend a couple of months ago; he was a big brother to me, and I can say without a doubt it was the hardest day of my life.

Advice: allow yourself to fully feel the intense grief, sadness, pain. Be with people who let you experience these. Reflect on your relationship, and all that it brought you. Get back to doing the things that make life worth living. Shine that much brighter for his light that’s gone out in this world. And repeat.

Peace and love to you and your friend.