Understandably, the pain is still very much alive for you. It's okay for you to take the time you need to grieve and remember your wife, Karen. It's true that the first year is often the hardest, with so many significant dates to go through without your loved one. I'm glad to hear that sharing your feelings and experiences with others is comforting to you.
I went through the same thing myself, my first wife was struggling for 15 years with her kidney problem (she was on dialysis three times a week), she died 9 years ago and I still remember her and grieve for her departure.
Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

!HUG