Donna, I feel your pain. My mom just passed on June 18th, 11 days after my back surgery. It kills me that she'll never (on earth) see me well and virtually pain free one day (I hope). She also was my best bud. I home cared her for a year. I miss the days of shopping and going out for lunch and yakking away. I feel so empty and alone. I can't imagine the feeling ever going away. In my family, we never went to bed without a hug, kiss and I love you. I inscripted "Wind Beneath Our Wings" on her stone. I'm sending you lots of hugs.