DP, when my wife got cancer the second time, she fell apart.
A very loving friend told her, "You've got to get over it some
day, why not today?"

There are ways of filling that empty space, just like when you
lose a kitten or pup; find another, try again. I hope you can,
dear lady. It will never replace, but it can fill the loneliness.

Good luck and hugs!