Gearhead_1:
My deepest sympathies and condolences on the loss of your father. I do find it heartfelt that you would reach out to your detailing "brothers and sisters" within this forum to confide and share your family story. When you`ve had great parents, such as I`ve had the privilege of being born to, it is difficult to see them grow old, and ultimately you know that one day they will pass away should you yourself live that long. The fact that you cared for them and lived in close proximity to them to do so speaks volumes about you as a person, and I can only imagine that your parents are very proud of you and are worthy of their saying, "This is my son."
There is little I can say that will console you. Having lost my father to complications from diabetes, I can relate to some of what you are experiencing, and yet, I cannot. Only you know what you experienced in growing with the development of that father-son relationship. It makes and defines us as to who we are. It gives meaning to the axiom, "Like father, like son." And that is the grieving part of this now- ended relationship as we knew it in this reality we call LIFE.
Keep and cherish those memories, and if you have family traditions that you did with your father, continue doing them with the next generation. They are an integral part of your family`s culture and show respect for and a continuance of your father`s character and spirit.
You are a blessed man to have a father like you had for the time that you did. I am sure he felt the same way about you, his son.
