Steve, after reading thru these messages, I want to thank you for your courage to share your feelings here with us. I believe this has been a helpful subject for all of us who have lost a parent, and those that inevitably will. I remember reading an article just before my mother passed away due to cancer, that was very insightful. It said that many people are not prepared for the intense feelings of loss and grief that they experience at the passing of their parents. We know that it will be tough, but some are shocked by just how tough at first, and for awhile. And even though they never leave our hearts or thoughts, experts tell us credibly that healing will take place over time, and life will go on and return to happiness. Take care and hang in there Steve. - RT