Grief is something most of us live with, either getting over it, going through it, or contemplating it. I lost a daughter. I never get over her not being in my life, but you can and do go on. It takes time, sometimes council, mostly empathy. We are all inbetween these states of existance. Enjoy each minute you have now. If the time comes that you loose your partner, we will be here for you in whatever way we can. You cry alot, sometimes till there are no more tears left to cry. You get sick sometimes. Time does ease the ache. In my life, the ache is always there, for my folks, my daughter. I cherish my friends, and just live one day at a time. We all do this in our own way. You are not alone Raven. Part of being human, we do have to find a way to get through the hurt. I will keep you and your partner in my thoughts. ginnie