how long should the grieving process be when a loved one passes?

I don't know whether animals count in the greiving process. I only know that I had to put down my best friend three months ago. I still think about him (Billie) and I miss him terribly. He was a great dog and very very smart. The vet came to my house to do it, otherwise I don't know if I could have gotten through it. I am very very sorry about the loss of your grandmother. I am not trying to minimalize your pain by talking about my loss of a dog. So my dear friend please accept my apologies if I offended you in any way. I have also lost people in my life that were dear to me. I lost my precious nana when I was thirty-three years old, I am now fifty-seven years old. So, it was a long time ago. My nana loved me unconditionally from the time I was born. She was a Christian and brought up her children worshipping Jesus. My father was one of her five children. I wish I had my grandmother to talk to , but the pain has lessened over the years. They say time heals all wounds and it does. You will always love your grandmother my dear but she is in heaven now and one day you will see her again. Anyway my dear just be the kind of person your grandmotherwould be proud of . Fod bless

I don't think the pain of grief ever really is forgotten because you never forget those peaple we love, but take comfort knowing that we will not always be crying. as for what others think I try not to live by their standerds but take it one day at a time. from some who will never forget her baby saforon.

I think you are right, I think that when you love some-one the pain of them no longer being there never goes away, you have lost a part of you so you will always feel this loss, that is not unhealthy it just proves you are a caring person and that you loved them deeply.

Great Topic... I don't know the answer but it's been 13 years sense my grandmother passed away.. Not to mention my favorite one.. YES I think about her all the time.. The tears though turned into smiles.. I think it's ok to grieve as long as you not crying all the time even after so many years...A year and 3 months ago I lost my dad. I was very close to him and miss him dearly.. Every day I think about it... Even though it's been a year I still do cry when i think about him.. I think it's normal to do so.. Being it wasn't really that long ago.. I do smile alot too though and think that he's in a better place... After seeing him in pain for so many years from injury from when he was in the war... though my dad was a strong man... The day god took him from me was a day I knew I'd never forget.. He will always be with me no matter what and no one will ever take his spot no matter what anyone says.. But Ranitam it's ok to grieve when need too, but not every single day i mean crying when that happens i would say seek some help.. I have thought about doing that myself cause days are still hard for me... Best wishes to you!

It is an individual thing. One's persons loss is unique and the time it takes to heal and grieve vary. I lost my mother 6 years ago - it took me 5 years to grieve. A friend suggested that I thank my mom and be grateful to her for the experience of having her as my mother. This worked very, very well for me. I hope it will help aid you. It is being thankful for them being in your life that is important. Now, I was able to let go and continue with my own life. Sunny Waters

I think that it cannot be quantified. It depends upon how fast a person can move one and accept the major change in his/her life.