surely (and sadly) there must be others in this fine community that have gone through the loss of a close loved one. how in the (heck) does one carry on?

I hope I don't sound harsh, but the answer is "what's the alternative?". Yes, loss makes you appreciate how precious life is. But... We all die. Things pass. Cars rust. Entropy progresses. Is it better to waste part of your short, precious life getting wrapped up in loss and sorrow, or to try to make the best of your short ride on the coil?

As someone who has lost most of his family, as well as some very close people, I can tell you that yes, it hurts, but you move on, enrichened by a greater appreciation of the fragility of life.