Nigel, I am so sorry for your and Ann's pain, yet am equally confident your already strong hearts will each heal grow in compassion and forgiveness. Death ends what we know of a person, yet our love carries on.

Ann may need a different form of counseling. She may need a different leader or group. She may need counseling based on behavioral changes. She may need something to do with her hands- something to allow her to just Be without words until she can afford to verbally process her feelings-clay, paint, needlework, something to pummel- whatever her body can use for expression, for our bodies often know what is needed before our minds can fathom what has happened.

We each have to find our way through grief in our own timing and manner, but sometimes we need guidance in finding additional help. Sometimes we need a mosquito to faithfully annoy us into opening up safely.

You too, as her faithful support and companion who is also hurting, may benefit from the right continued outside guidance as well as seeking your music and writing. :)

Love,
Maeve