I wanted to add to what I said earlier... that I have a really hard time reconciling what I know / believe, and what I feel. In my head I might be logically thingking "it's ok, they are in a better place" but my heart is hurting and the pain is like nothing else.
But I too think that is normal... we are living human lives here on earth, grief is a human emotion. Where I am right now it's asking too much to not be sad when we lose someone.

My mother lost her partner when I was 10. For a month or so after I used to 'pray' and talk to him (not having a better word for it at the time) and I have done so with others I have lost who have been close to me. I do feel them, their presence, for some time afterwards. I think this might be a case of them helping our transition - helping us to adjust to a world without them.