My first digit is a 6. Today I lost my best friend from HS that I've known since 1976. 45 years is a long time to go without losing any of your meaningful friends.
I've lost a number of family members including my Dad. All very painful and they took some time from which to recover. Somehow this feels different. Family doesn't select you, but your friends do. The first real, long term friend with whom I created a lasting relationship has departed and I'm acutely aware of my own mortality.
No pity required. Just painfully reminded that all of us have expiration dates. His arrived a little too soon, but it was inevitable, as is mine. Sad now. Sad for my loss; for our loss - we have a large circle of friends (for which I'm deeply grateful). We will mourn, and we will recover, and we will go on.
Pleasure, happiness, joy, and that strong sense of well being created in the presence of grandchildren will return. I will be ok. We will be ok.
And so will you.