Well, the waiting ended a few days ago.
Dad's walking the nature trails of the great unknown, now. I've had some crying, but overall, I'm dealing with it much better than I expected. I think a large part of it is I know his practical nature would not be flattered by moping instead of getting on with things.
Mom's coping, too. There's a lot of great family support. Her brother and sisters are looking in or asking her out, and their kids, too, and my brother has been a major help through all of this. He dusted the master bedroom to make it nicer for her, and put aside some things for her to figure out whether she wanted them out or not. Presumably dad-stuff. And in his own way, *that* was a loving tribute to Dad, because one thing that would really make him angry was when he thought we were not being active and intelligent about finding ways to help around the house so Mom didn't have to do it or even ask.
I guess a good parent makes us a better person, even when they aren't there.
Mom's coping, too. There's a lot of great family support. Her brother and sisters are looking in or asking her out, and their kids, too, and my brother has been a major help through all of this. He dusted the master bedroom to make it nicer for her, and put aside some things for her to figure out whether she wanted them out or not. Presumably dad-stuff. And in his own way, *that* was a loving tribute to Dad, because one thing that would really make him angry was when he thought we were not being active and intelligent about finding ways to help around the house so Mom didn't have to do it or even ask.
I guess a good parent makes us a better person, even when they aren't there.