I think there is a bit of denial, in that the brain sometimes doesn't really process it. You don't really truly believe it, even after you've seen irrefutable proof, because to acknowledge it is to bring about that grief.

It isn't a logical, true, actual denial, but a (subconscious) denial by the brain of dealing with it. I've seen that personally happen. Rationally you know, but that pain is so great, the brain doesn't want to go there right away.