Hang in there. People never get over the death of someone that close whether it be a father figure, a sibling, a child, those deaths I'd think would be something that would last and never really lose its powerful emotion. Watching someone slowly decline in health is something hard to do as well no matter who it is. Being part of something like that does make one think about how much time they have too.

As I recently learned one's life can potentially end far sooner than expected. More than ever I realize how critical it is to stay focused on the here and now. I'm glad you seem to realize that too Tim. Thanks for sharing this very personal story with all of us.

The first few years are the worst after a loving parent dies. Just remember how much love he had for you, and know that wherever he is now, he is still rooting for you!

I appreciate everyone's advice and understanding. It has been difficult at times. The realization that the only father you have ever known has been dead for over two years is still difficult to believe, but at the same time I have accepted it. Everyone has to deal with it sooner or later, but I hope that no one else here has to deal with it at such a young age like I did.

I appreciate everyone's advice and understanding. It has been difficult at times. The realization that the only father you have ever known has been dead for over two years is still difficult to believe,.. but at the same time I have accepted it. Everyone has to deal with it sooner or later, but I hope that no one else here has to deal with it at such a young age like I did.

When you grow older, you will let a lot of people "on the side of the road": family's members, close friends and others. Grief is always hard, very hard. But with the time passing, you will only remember the good moments. It's what life teach you.

As you told us about the two last years of his life, I could imagine that his death was a relief form him. (I lived that with my daughter, dying from AIDS). And what it concern yourself, live each day, enjoy it, remembering always it could be your last.

That's an advise of a very old man.

Take care and "carpe diem".

Old Bob

Tim, I was about your age when my father died. That, too, was at the end of a long illness.

There's not much I can say, other than it hurts but it slowly gets better. Try and remember the good times.

It's been over ten years for me. It still hurts, though time has made it easier.

Stay strong, my friend.

CJ

I appreciate everyone's advice and understanding. It has been difficult at times. The realization that the only father you have ever known has been dead for over two years is still difficult to believe,.. but at the same time I have accepted it. Everyone has to deal with it sooner or later, but I hope that no one else here has to deal with it at such a young age like I did.

When you grow older, you will let a lot of people "on the side of the road": family's members, close friends and others. Grief is always hard, very hard. But with the time passing, you will only remember the good moments. It's what life teach you.

As you told us about the two last years of his life, I could imagine that his death was a relief form him. (I lived that with my daughter, dying from AIDS). And what it concern yourself, live each day, enjoy it, remembering always it could be your last.

That's an advise of a very old man.

Take care and "carpe diem".

Old Bob

That's terrible that your daughter died like that. I'm sorry to hear that. I hope we find a cure for HIV/AIDS soon. Part of the reason I wrote my anthology story was to honor the victims of the horrible disease.

Tim, I was about your age when my father died. That, too, was at the end of a long illness.

 

There's not much I can say, other than it hurts but it slowly gets better. Try and remember the good times.

 

It's been over ten years for me. It still hurts, though time has made it easier.

 

Stay strong, my friend.

CJ

I do remember the good times, and I will treasure them for the rest of my life. The problem is that they seem so long ago. I'm also sorry to hear that your father died when you were so long. If you don't mind me asking, how did your mother handle it? Mine is starting to date again, but she still cried a lot on the 24th.