Newbie-
I have been in similar situations more times than I would like to think about (friends, grandparents, great-gradnparents, even my brother
)
Here's some basic advice, but feel free to email me if you want to talk or whatever.
It's okay to cry: to be sad, angry, upset, feel cheated, etc. Over time, those feelings subside, but every once in awhile they come back (even 5 or 10 years later). Remember, it's okay to feel that way, as long as you are also coping with it... dealing with it whatever way you can (spending time w/ friends, music, etc.)
Along those lines, you will find things to distract you. Which isn't always a bad thing. Throw yourself into studying for finals. You need something else to think about some of the times.
Balance is important.
Don't be afraid to remember your grandfather. Still tell the same stories, learn about him, etc. A big part of the healing process for me was accepting that even though the person was gone, they had still impacted me in several ways. And learning to appreciate that makes remembering them a lot easier.
I feel terrible for your mother... be there for her. If she needs to vent or cry or whatever, be there to hear her out. And if she takes some frustration out of you, try to keep it in perspective.
You can never replace a person or what they mean to you... but you can remember them for what they were and what they helped you become.
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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter