My dad died Saturday.

[bitterross]

130. My condolences, my hugs and love.

My father passed away in 1992 after a battle with prostate cancer. It was rather sudden and quick. Far longer than with your dad, though. It was about a year between the initial diagnosis and him passing.

During that year he went from being a living, aware, funny, loving person to being a just a body whose heart continued to beat and lungs continued to breathe. There were rough times. He ended his days in hospice care at home.

In some ways you are lucky. Lucky you didn't have to see the complete decline. Obviously, not at all lucky you lost a loved one.

Now is the time to write down remembrances of him. The fond times from your childhood, and any times you were lucky enough to be an adult with him. I miss most the times my dad would talk about his childhood and tell funny stories. I miss the very, very rare times he would speak of his service in WWII in the Philippines.

If you have had the fortune to hear stories from your dad I encourage you to write them down. They are treasures. Put them with the pictures and slides.

In your heart, you will never forget him. It's been almost 30 years since my dad passed. I have not forgotten him. Do not worry that he will cease to be with you. He will not.