Hello, I’m really struggling tonight. My beloved brother’s partner passed away suddenly earlier tonight. He has left a monumental hole in my family. My brother and his partner were together for 30 years, they didn’t marry for some reason. I feel so lucky to have had two brothers. I am fearful for my brother, he must feel totally alone without his beloved soulmate. My heart is breaking and I really need to be among people who are Gay and who understand that my families pain and our loss is crippling. My brother and his partner - Ian (aka: Bear 
) were happier, stronger, healthier and more loving than most heterosexual couples I’ve ever met. I want my brother to grieve freely and for his deep, deep love of his lifelong partner to be fully recognised. Our pain is unbearable right now, my heart is broken, completely
Hi Niki
Just sending you a hug xx
Thank you xxx
Hi Niki, I lost my partner of 23 years in August of last year and a year on the pain is still so raw. The loneliness can be overwhelming but I try and get by think what would Mal have wanted me to do. I understand some of what your brother is going through (although everyone’s grief is different) and I wish both he and you all the best at this most difficult of times.
I wish I could say it gets easier as time goes by but I honestly don’t think that it does. Instead you just find coping mechanisms to help get you through the day. If your brother has people around him that will help him a lot along with grief counselling when he is ready. Just let him grieve at his own pace I guess and be there for him.