Dear Eric: Within five years of each other, both of my adult children died of illness and an accident. It has been three years since the second loss, and the grief is still harsh. But I am getting counseling.

In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who is still grieving the loss of two adult children within five years of each other.

I was a young mother, so I have years left to be active. I am finding new ways to be of service in my community, especially with underprivileged kids. My women friends all have adult children who are entering the era of life that my kids were experiencing when they died.

It's so difficult to socialize with these women because they talk about their kids and even complain about them. ... I must play along as if I’m interested. I’m not.