Can you be friends with an ex?

So I recently went through my first real break up that I’ve actually cared about? It kind of blindsided me (though looking back maybe it shouldn’t have but I thought his change was due to losing his job). We were together for 8 months. We met through his extended family whom I’ve known forever. He was very respectful and cordial with the break up. He said I hadn’t done anything wrong. He told me that he thought we were moving in different directions and at different speeds. He felt like something has been missing and that he wasn’t sure if this would work long term. He didn’t want to “lead me on” if it wasn’t going to workout in the long run. He said that he still loved me. He offered to come to a competition I’m in in a few weeks because he had promised and still wanted to support me. He said he hoped to still see me at his Aunt’s events and that hearing him being there wouldn’t be awkward or a deterrent. He said he wanted to still be friends at some point. My question is, if you’ve had your heart broken... can you still be friends ever?

PS tips for making it through your first real heart break would be much appreciated:)