How can I help my husband deal with losing his mother?

My husband's mom passed away last June. He was very close to her (saw her every day, told her his very personal thoughts, etc) and I understand that it can take anywhere from months to years to heal depending on the relationship. My problem is this-we have been married for almost 2 years now and we have made progress (moved from an apt to a rental home and have now accumulated savings and credit) financially and emotionally to a place where we are, or were, comfortable. We soon will be buying him a new vehicle and getting our first home. After his mother passed away he got his ged and started taking college classes in hopes of one day getting a better job. Well, 8 months later he still hasnt opened up to me. Once in a while we go to the cemetary or he'll mention a memory, but he will not talk to me about what he's feeling. I know he is severely depressed because I sometimes hear him cry himself to sleep and its to the point now that he has said "he's not ready" to get a new job or buy a house or have kids. Even immediately after her death he seemed like he was applying his distress in a good way-to better his life because he knew it was what she would want. the longer she's gone though it seems its sinking in and he is still living in denial. I dont know what to do. I have asked him to speak with me about this because he acknowleges that he no longer has any motivation to even live because of his grief but he knows he must carry on with every day activtites so that no one will question him. he doesnt want to take medication but he did agree to speak to a therapist but he has yet to set up an appt. I dont know if this is normal but i feel like he should be ok with bettering his life for us as a family because its what she would have wanted. i still have my mother and sometimes i feel like he uses that as a weapon against me because " i dont understand" and i admit that i dont. i just wish i knew what was holding him back and how to get him to open up so he can heal. anyone been in this same situation...i could use some advice.