I just wanted to respond to what Brucie said in his last post. When I, I suppose 'suddenly', had to get used to it just being me and my mum, it helped a lot to have other (particularly male) people to chat to. Not at first, but after a while. There are a few people now who before I didn't think of as anyone other than a 'neighbour' or 'family friend' - and more recently it has been good to talk to people that aren't my mum. Especially if they knew my dad. So - yes, I agree it helps to have someone 'outside' to talk to.