Its kinda crazy, we're one of the countries where many people tend to go to great lengths to not talk about death or to shield themselves or others from it. I took a few courses from the Thanatology branch of Psychology. (They're linked up at my school) We actually took a field trip to a funeral home, got to see the actual process of cremating someone. When we went a man gave us permission to view the machine they use while his wife was currently being cremated. I mean it was obviously a bit creepy, but somewhat sobering.
And you know, I'm no Dr. or anything, but what you're doing is good. Even though we're all strangers, its good to let your grief and confusion out. Worse thing you can do is bottle it up. Pretty much anyone can tell you that.
Surround yourself and your friend with support and love and everything will hopefully heal in time.
God bless.
