A very popular song in our moment croons You only know you Love her when you let her go. It indicates that it is when she finally flees or you leave her, you awaken to her worth, to the extent to which you loved her. And now she's gone. Bad timing in the recognition. And of course this happens. And of course it hurts!

Best news ever. 

You can let her go, i.e. be non-attached and unconditional, whilst staying with her- and recognize that you love her (know that you love her), to boot. "Funny" how we can be with someone for such long times and not really know that we love them, for we're holding on too tightly- 

for them to shine, for us to see accurately, for love to thrive.

 

"A ship is safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships are for." - William G.T. Shedd