For atheists who do not believe in an afterlife...?

how do you comfort a loved one? when a Christian loses a spouse they at least have something to look forward to (even if its false). They just have that comfort. My spouse knows that I'm atheist, but cannot accept or cope with "the end" whenever it may be. He says if I die first he can't think that he'll never see me again. Its so sad! I sometimes wish I were religious, but I can't pretend to believe something that I think is rubbish. I guess I sacrifice unfounded joy for my integrity.