@CinnamonSugar, I really relate to the loss you have suffered. I lost our best family friend to a heart attack in 2020. He is the person who was always there when my husband was sick. I had been his friend since the second grade. He formed a close relationship with my husband in high school.
They had a business together for about 10 years and then they both went to work at the same company. He was always a big part of our life. He was there when our child came. He helped around the house, built a patio so our son had a place to play.
To say least, he was family and treated as such. After my husband passed he continued to be part of our family. He dragged me out to dinners with other friends. He called and we would talk for hours. No one else shared so many memories.
He never married or had children, he was estranged from his brothers. He made his will to leave everything to our son. I can only guess it was because he truly felt he was a part of our family, that was true.
I miss him so much. He was the main connection to the memories of the early life of my husband and I.
It is hard for others to imagine the emotional connection we have to others that are not bonded to us by blood, Only, by true love, connection can we embrace the true connection, My husband and I were given that great gift. I think you have also experienced a love beyond comprehension.
I am so sorry for your loss and understand you will struggle with it all the days of your life as do I.