Love and a Hug to you, Mudlark. I went on a course last year, where we were encouraged to complete any "unfinished business" - as a result of which I wrote a letter to my parents, saying all the things I'd never said. I had to write it : I could never have spoken it, my words would have been too incoherent with tears. (As it was, the pages were splashed a bit). My dad died three months later, and I am so glad I had sent that letter. So, I would urge everyone: say it now, do it now.

Amos - I'm going to show your post to my daughter (when she gets up - I go online in secret when she's asleep, so as not to get told off !) - she'll appreciate it !!

Isn't it good when old threads like this get revived ? I've only been on Mudcat for about a year, and would never have seen this - would have missed that beautiful poem by EJ. (Do look at it, it's higher up the list somewhere).

So...in the spirit of this thread: Love and Thanks to ALL of you on Mudcat. (No, I'm not planning on disappearing anywhere..)

- jeanie