Thanks to you all, esp. Lox, Petr, Polite Guest, oh, heck everyone. This is indeed one of those Shining Mudcat Threads, one of the Best. I've had a lot of tears shed today, thanks to all of you and thanks to memories of my dad. I'll try to write about him, later. I know there's already some about him since he's sorta been a member through me for so many years. He's been gone almost four years now and it's still tough...we all become orphans at some point, if we outlive our parents. I know they are still with us, but I still miss mine, a lot.

Actually, I have found something about my dad that I would repost. Big Mick wrote it in my dad's obit thread and it means a lot to me. It seems this is true of the dads who have been remembered in this thread, today, too:

kat, if you go back and read this thread you will note that it disproves your original post. You said:

"...no more stories, no more songs..."

The simple truth is that your father lives on in the things you share with those of us that care about you. He will live on in that beautiful boy that your daughter has given us. He will live on in the hidden treasure of the music he listened to and sang for you. I often say that we must now look in others for the voice of those that have passed. But for several years now I have marvelled at how you and bet were already making his voice heard. No looking necessary here, dearie. He is alive in you and for you.