What a beautiful story, Sourdough! The old, sentimental song says "parting is such sweet sorrow." And it sure is. All who have responded to this thread are not only reaching out to give comfort to the one who started this thread. We are giving comfort to each other... those who have lost a parent recently, and those who face the growing reality that they'll be facing the same experience. My Father died three years ago of a massive stroke at the age of 92. It happened very suddenly, and I am grateful for that. He'd had occasional small strokes, and had a more powerful one very early one morning. My Mother called the nurses in the residence where they lived and the nurses came to be with my Father and Mother while they waited for the ambulance to come. Dad was sitting up in the chair, with the nurses on each side of him, and he was cracking them up, telling funny stories. Everyone was in high spirits, and then the massive stroke hit, he pitched forward out of his Lazy Boy onto the carpet, and was gone. I'm sure that he praised the Lord that he died, while making others laugh.

In these messages, we all end up talking about ourslves. That's as it should be. We bring our love and grief and hope out of our own experience. Sharing them strengthens us all. My Mother is 94, now, and even though her brothers and sisters lived into their mid and upper 90's, I know that I will face all of these emotions one of these days. This thread will carry us all forward with hope. And, just as there is a time for healing, there is a time for letting go. My Mother's great expectation is to be united with her Mother, who died when my Mother was just 11. It's been a long wait. There will be rejoicing, as well as grieving, when she goes home.

Hallelujah!!!

Jerry