Spalding, I lost my mom to cancer when I was 31. She was only 55--younger than I am, now. She got to hold my older son when he was a baby but died before my second son was born. My mom would have been the most AWESOME grandma. She was a fun mom. I miss her to this day.
But the thing is, life can't stop. I dream of her sometimes, and feel like we got to visit. Yes, I sometimes feel sad, but it doesn't rule my world.
FeelingGreat makes a good point. You can develop a mother-daughter type relationship with others in your life. I've had friends who were sort of "substitute moms" to me, as well as my mom's sister. You can surround yourself with love when you have worked through your grief a bit more. No, none of those people will take your mom's place, but it does fill some of the empty spaces when you need advice and support or someone with whom to share joyful moments.
Hugs,