I had a terrible rift with my Mother. We reconciled only 2 years before she died. I was the last to see her conscious and our final words were "I love you." I was not burdoned with guilt at her funeral, I was Praising the Lord we had reconciled, as I could not have lived with myself otherwise. I pray that Patty is doing the same.
Patty has written a beautiful piece about the last days with her dad that will be published Friday. I heard excerpts earlier.
I'm glad you reconciled...the alternative is unthinkable.
I have not seen my "real" father for nearly 15 years, but his behavior has made reconciliation impossible. I am afraid of him and will not subject my family to him anymore.
However, I have been blessed for 30 years with a wonderful step-father who I call dad. He married my mom when she had 4 little kids. Not many men would do that.