Greetings Heather,

sorry to hear that you are going through so much of the 'impermanance' bit of life right now. I have just lost a really close friend, so those sorts of questions have been much in my mind as well.

Wish that i had some kind of answer to give, but of course i dont. But i can say that this very question of the meaning of loss and suffering is the same one that started siddartha on his quest towards buddhahood, and no doubt many others besides.

I guess part of the price of the delights of having flesh and mind and senses to feel creation is that the very stuff that it is all made of constantly changes, be you a person or a galaxy.

None of which stops the pain of missing someone, of course.

love and life
paul