Lightness, melancholy, loss

Thank you to my mom for finding words to describe what I am feeling...

...from a novel by Jacqueline Winspear - An Incomplete Revenge.

Maisie's 'lover' Simon was wounded in WWI and had been unresponisve for several years. He recently died and this was written in the story:

"The challenge with death is that it can lift a burden, and we feel two sensations - moments of lightness, along with melancholy, of loss. You have already suffered one, Maisie, so do not be taken aback when there is only one remaining and it is the one that brings with it moments of levity...do not underestimate your feelings, and don't draw back from doors that open. Simon's spirit is at peace. Allow yours to be free as you live."