My father passed away last week on April 16. I was going to keep it quiet, as I generally keep my personal life out of the public domain, but given Paul's thread here, I will share.

My dad had a catastrophic stroke a decade ago which left him a severe aphasiac (this I've mentioned in my book). My mom has been his caretaker all these years. Last year, he had some complications which placed him in hospice, where he has been for the last eight months.

Misery loves company, eh? I wish you and I could grab a beer or something, Paul. Just like your dad, mine was suffering at the end too, so his passing was a relief in many ways. Nevertheless, losing a parent leaves a permanent scar.