This paper explains how some people might react to losing a loved one.

Nobody thinks of losing a loved one at a young age, nor is anyone prepared emotionally, even if the person is dying in the hospital, you may be ready mentally but not emotionally, but then there are people who don't know anything is wrong and it all comes as one big shock, then in that case you are neither mentally or emotionally ready for that situation. In any case, it is best if you had …

…life for granted, if people would just stop for just one minute and just take a look around them and enjoy the life they have and who they are with, they would see how precious their lives are. People do not realize what a wonderful life or family they have until it is gone, and usually by then it is too late to let that person know just how you feel about or appreciate them.