They say that time heals all scars. It's been a month since Smokie died, and I now find that I can look at her photos and smile, thinking of the years of good memories she gave me instead of focusing on the end. It also helps to commiserate with others and to hear their own stories - how their dear friends impacted them as well.
(This one is Smokie's last photo - taken 9 hours before she died.)
One thing I will never forget about Smokie is that, no matter how tired she was, no matter how much she hurt, and no matter what was going on, she never once felt sorry for herself or failed to take full advantage of every moment God had given her. She enjoyed life right up till the very second that she had none left. There's a lesson in there somewhere.
There are a lot of great stories, photos and memorials in this thread. Thanks to all of you for sharing them.