DEAR ABBY: Maybe your gentle words will help me. The love of my life passed on six months ago, two weeks before our wedding. I feel like a walking zombie who can’t remember how to smile. My darling died in front of me from a heart attack. He was staring directly into my eyes. He was only 39 – I’m 36.

We were planning our future together. I’m so lonely without him. Now I feel as if God has taken his life AND mine. I want to join my darling because we promised each other we’d always be together. He promised he would never leave me. And since he was looking right into my eyes, I can feel his soul inside me. I feel nothing but missing him and his love – our hugs, kisses, touches.

I’ve talked to my pastor; that was no help. It made me hurt even more.

My love and I were together almost five years. – LOST WITHOUT HIS LOVE IN ST. PAUL

DEAR LOST: Please accept my deepest sympathy. Although you and your fiance promised each other you would always be together, his time on Earth was tragically short. I am sure that as he looked into your eyes he wanted you to go on – to honor the love you had together, but live a full and meaningful life.

Yes, he will always be in your heart. No other relationship will be exactly the same. But if you allow yourself, you can and will have a relationship that is rewarding in other ways. Please have courage. Seek an outlet for your grief by joining a grief support group. Your doctor can refer you – and so can your spiritual adviser.

DEAR ABBY: Every time I see plastic Easter eggs given to young children, it makes me cringe. I am reminded of the time my toddler received a basket containing some of them. Almost immediately one ended up in his mouth, where most things go at that age.

The pointed end of the egg was a “perfect fit.” As my son inhaled, the egg got stuck in the back of his mouth, cutting off his breath. He was unable to make a sound while he was slowly being deprived of oxygen. When his little face began turning blue, my husband became alarmed, reached in, dislodged the plastic egg and pulled it out.

I am thankful that we were in the same room and were able to take such quick action. Abby, please warn parents and others that these “toys” can be dangerous for small children. – THANKFUL IN VENTURA, CALIF.

DEAR THANKFUL: Thank YOU for sharing your close call. Let it be a warning to other parents of small children – if you have plastic eggs in the house, get rid of them now, before a tragedy occurs.

DEAR ABBY: I am 13. Three of my oldest friends seem to be drifting away. I have a new friend, “Karen,” who is super nice. We share the same interests in books, movies and other things. But I’m afraid if I spend too much time with Karen, my other three friends will desert me. I have been friends with them since second grade. They mean everything to me. Help! – AFRAID IN VIRGINIA

DEAR AFRAID: Part of growing up is making new friends. Not everyone matures at the same rate. Obviously, you are getting something from your friendship with Karen that you are not getting from your three old friends – and that is a plus. The answer to your problem is learning to budget your time so that you are not seeing anyone exclusively.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $5 (U.S. funds only) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.