Learning to live without them and filling the hole they leave are quite different.

[ He thinks of his mother when he says it. He learned to live without her within months, but it wasn't until Fran that he really felt wanted, part of something bigger than himself. Of course, the need for a parent still flares up from time to time. ]

I don't think anyone will ever fill Fran's shoes, but I think I might prefer it that way. Besides, I'm too charming not to make new friends.