Janie,

   Does your dad like to watch things grow? If you are looking for something with a little color you can always force some crocus or tulip and even hyacynth bulbs. Amarylis is fun to watch grow too...they grow so fast and get so tall with giant blooms. It is tradition in our home to have a *race* to see who's Amarylis grows the fastest...we name them and everything. It's just nice to focus on something else. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. (((Hugs)))

Michelle