I am new tonight. I understand about your mother this first year. It is awful. I lost my son in 2007, and for the rest of that year and all of 2008 I don't even remember how I got through the days, especially the special days and holidays. Your mom is going through the worst of it. She will survive, slowly and in time. She will never be the same, but she will learn how to live again. Your brother will always be in her heart and she will hold him close, but she will go on. I know you are hurting too, but the best thing you can do now for your brother is be there for your mom. It can be a phone call, an email, anything to show her you think of her. I find that it helps to mark each special day (his birthday, the anniversary of his death) by gathering together. I have a mass said on those days and we attend together (whoever is available) and we visit the cemetery and have dinner together. It helps. I think he feels our love and that helps me. Take care. You and your mom will learn to cope and always hold your brother's memory in your hearts.
