The apple tree in my mother's yard bloomed yesterday. It's beautiful. My father found a wee sprig in the hedge and replanted in the middle of the yard just to see what kind of fruit tree it was. That was over thrirty years ago. He passed in '83. Today, Mum and I and my brother sat in the yard and enjoyed the tree and our fond memories of Dad.

The loss of a parent is one of the hardest things that any of us ever have to face. I can only echo what has already been said and add my thoughts and prayers. As open mike said... "think of the good times." It helps. Even after over twenty years.