Sandra Bullock STARTING OVERN

THREE MONTHS AFTER LOSING HER LOVE, THE ACTRESS IS LEARNING TO SMILE AGAIN

- Kylie Walters

Laden with shopping bags as she walked along an LA sidewalk on November 3, Sandra Bullock flashed her famous cheeky grin. The simple moment of happiness was something unimaginable for the actress just a few short months ago after Bullock lost the "love of her life".

The long-term partner of The Lost City star, Bryan Randall, passed away in August at 57. His tragic death followed a private three-year battle with the degenerative nervous system disease, ALS, which causes muscles to break down.

"Sandra has recently been able to begin smiling again," a source told Life & Style. "Facing Bryan's death is still very difficult. She's doing what [Bryan] always told her to do, though breathing and taking life one day at a time."

Helping her heal during this sad time have been her adopted children, son Louis, 13, and 11-year-old daughter Laila, who Randall helped raise. In fact, Bullock's number one priority right now is "trying to protect and comfort" her kids.

"While it hasn't been easy for her to stay strong, she's determined to pick up the pieces for her children," the source says. "Laila and Louis adored Bryan and continue to mourn the only father figure they really had."