Yes, for better or worse. In addition to the physical and psychological changes people go through after experiencing loss, most people never revert to their old selves. In my childhood, I knew two men who lost their daughters in tragic car accidents.  One man, who was beloved and well-known for being jovial and helpful in his community, became a somber recluse for nearly a decade. The other man, who was a devout leader of his church, became an indignant tyrant. This taught me that when a loved one passes away, our old self dies with them.  All is not lost, however. We as humans still have free will, which means we have a choice in becoming who we want to be. While it is highly unlikely that any of us will return to the person we once were, we can change for the better.