Thoughts and prayers are with you over here in Seattle, Steve. Your sad news strikes a chord close to my heart, as today is the one-year anniversary of my Mom's death. She was both a mother and father to me growing up, a kind and loving person who was full of life and died far too young--50.

My advice for you? Don't hold in the pain. Talk about your feelings with someone who's a good listener; or write them down in a journal. The hurt doesn't disappear all at once--in fact, I'm guessing a lot of it never disappears at all--but time DOES ease the pain and bless us with perspective. The good memories, the bond between a parent and a child--these things are yours forever. Take the time to remember the goodness. And live your life fully, in a way that would make your father proud. -HSL