As no surprise, writing about it helps. I can't imagine what it would be like if I didn't have an outlet to express it.
it helps us who have never encountered this ordeal be more supportive.
It has been interesting with friends as there are a few, who just drifted away, as they don't know how to deal with it at all. After all, I am not the person they knew, so perhaps the connection isn't the same.
At least, it is a change in experience that offers something new for me :)
Writing is therapeutic also helps to untangle some thoughts once you read them back.
We never know what life will dish up, some cannot accept and rather walk away, in reality this could happen to anyone of us at any given time, knowing more is always enlightening.
Never a pleasant experience with life altering change, one makes the best of/for themselves starting again.