'Full recovery...takes two to three years rather than a year. In the older age group, it appears that a few never fully recover their former state of health and well being. As one woman, in her mid-sixties put it five years after her husband's death, "Mourning never ends: only as time goes on, it erupts less frequently." '

The excerpt above is from an article entitled How Long Does Active Grieving Last?. It reminded me of Mom, and how the absence of Dad by her side is still very painful for her, still popping up at every train whistle, despite it being over a year and a half now. Considering their closeness and the length of their relationship, it's small wonder she's still actively grieving.