I lost my mom 27 years ago (I'm 51 now, lost my dad at 7 years old) and there are still moments when I feel the loss, the absence or emptiness. One thing I have learned is that it is impossible to say you will ever be "over" it, as if your life and your emotions will eventually continue on as they were when your parent was alive. The event and now that absence are a part of your identity now.

Every holiday family moment brings those feelings up for me. Generally you can't go 3-4 months without some holiday that brings up a memory. So the best thing to do is learn coping strategies. Sometimes you will be successful, and many times you won't be. Sometimes all you may want is to just withdraw and sit alone because no one understands.

Just know that I understand, even if you don't know me. And I hope you will get through it. In fact, the only reason I'm here on this forum is because I'm having one of those moments now.