Dixie writes: I know my family is going through so much and I guess I feel I have to be the strong mother and that I am not supposed to fall apart. But everything has changed since my daughter died. My world is no longer the same. There are days that I just want to able to be left alone and let me touch her stuff and let me cry, but I feel I can’t do that because my family has never really seen me like that, even when my mother died. I had to be strong for my kids and the rest of my family. How can I handle this?

Dr. Gloria Horsley, founder of Open to Hope Foundation, replies: I am so sorry to hear of the death of your daughter, Dixie.? Trust yourself and your body.? Tell your family that you may surprise them and cry at strange times but not to worry no-body ever died of dehydration from crying.? It you want to be strong, be strong.? If you want to cry, cry.? If you want to walk, walk.? If you want to sleep, sleep.? If you want to scream, scream.? Find safe places and safe people and let it all hang out.? You are in our thoughts and hearts.? It takes courage to live with loss and we know you will survive as we have.? Let your heart lead the way and your body and head will follow.? This is your time.? Love, Gloria