I don't know how long it will take you to get over the death of your loved one, but I know from experience it got easier for me after the first year. My husband's death was sudden. He died of a massive heart attack in 2002 that was caused by diabetes. The first year was difficult because I had to face my husband's birthday, my birthday, our wedding anniversary, Father's Day, and all the other holidays for the first time without him. We even had two daughters in college that he wouldn't see graduate. It hurt. I didn't sleep in our bedroom nor remove any items of his from our home for three years.

After three years, I began dating and in 2008 I remarried. My happiness didn't last long. June 4, 2010 while on vacation, my husband discovered a lump in his neck, he went to the doctor in July, in August the biopsy came back positive for cancer, and by September he was dead.

I felt that his death was just adding insult to injury. I had lost both my parents in less than a year and now my husband. However; I am finding peace and comfort in recalling, talking, laughing, and thinking about the things I loved and admired about each of them.

I sincerely hope you find solace in the beautiful memories you have of your father and I am truly sorry for your loss.