I clicked over here from Sean’s site. I read this post to you Dad, twice. Sounds like you and your dad shared a pretty special relationship together and though nothing will take the pain of his loss away - I’d say you’re damn lucky to have the special time with him while he was alive. Not everyone shares such a close bond with their parents….but it is a treasure.

I’m Lisa. I live in WI, too. I’m a Hospice RN and work with people who are dying, and their families who are facing the loss. It’s important, for my work, to be reminded of what happens after…how long it sometimes takes. How grief and grieving isn’t on a specific timetable and sometimes there are no answers as to how long the pain will be so acute. I wish there was a magic cure.

Define your life, and your fathers, by the love and friendship you shared. Smile, inwardly, to your self - smug with the knowlege that you had a very special relationship with him…one that will never be replaced, one that made your life rich…one that helped shape and define the man you are today.

My heart breaks for your loss. Good luck to you, Mark.