Survivors face unique struggles after losing loved ones to suicide: ‘The pain gets softer’

During Thanksgiving dinner in 2024 — just months after her long-term boyfriend died by suicide — Amanda Killam broke down sobbing, remembering how much he enjoyed the traditional feast and mourning that he wasn’t there to share it.

This year, she cried the night before Thanksgiving, but was able to get a bit of enjoyment over dinner with family and friends. Instead of overwhelmingly painful, it was bittersweet, sharing a good meal and company while still wishing her partner were by her side.

“It doesn’t get easier, but it gets softer. The pain gets softer,” said Killam, of Commerce City…

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