Dear Sheri: Will the Missing Ever Go Away?

Dear Sheri,‍

I lost my husband two years ago after 52 years of marriage. Everyone told me time would make it easier, but I still reach for him when I wake up. I still expect him to walk through the front door.

People seem uncomfortable when I mention him now, as if I should be "over it." I smile because I don't want anyone to worry, but the truth is, I miss him every single day.

Will this feeling ever go away?

—Still Missing Him

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Dear Still Missing Him,

There is no expiration date on love, and there shouldn't be one on grief either.

After more than five decades together, your husband wasn't simply part of your life—he was woven into your daily routines, your memories, and your future plans. Missing him isn't something to be ashamed of. It's evidence of a life filled with love.

The sharp pain often softens with time, but love doesn't disappear. Instead of trying to "move on," think of it as learning to move forward while carrying his memory with you.

Keep talking about him. Share his stories. Laugh about the good times. Those memories keep love alive, not grief.

One day, you'll notice that your smiles come a little easier than your tears. That doesn't mean you've forgotten him. It means you've learned to live alongside the love you still carry.

Sheri