("God picks only the best," it was her time to go, she died for some good reason, he's "in a better place now" - no, he's six feet under, or he's ashes, and no it's not a better place, etc etc).

These are all so bizarre to me. Not because of the religious angle, but because they're just so awful. How are these things supposed to offer consolation?

but there's so much of it, who's to say that death is the end and no part of us lives on?

I feel the same. I mean for a long time I tried to be skeptical, as I understand this whole belief is very convenient for us survivors. But I don't think it's just there to give us comfort. It seems to me, and I'm sure you'll understand, being a writer as well, that it's an infuriatingly simple story. And then they died. It lacks substance, so I find it hard to think it's the end. :)

go ahead and cry; it's all a sign of how much you love the one you lost.)

It's a beautiful, and very honest advice. I think you need to cry, I think we need to make grief okay and not try to sweep it under the rug with truisms.

I'm really, really glad to hear that. I appreciate it :)