Wow, that's a heartbreaking story. Thank you for sharing. I hope that your friend (and you) can find peace in such a horrible, impossible to understand tragedy.

Belief if something higher is crucial in learning acceptance. I'm a believer in many things.

When I'm in doubt, I try to have faith. I've noticed that atheists rely on doubt above all. I find that it's easier to believe, generally speaking. So yeah, atheists usually have a tough road.

Thank you for your contribution!