Seems the angel of death making it's rounds. Yesterday I got the call my Step-father died (he was more a Dad then my biological father ever was.)
Misery loves company they say so... I gladly share in our sorrow of our loved ones, and the love of those still with us.
Dear Rotten Luck, I am so sorry! My own beloved stepfather passed away last May (2012) and like yours, was more of a father to me and had been for over 30 years than my biological dad (he passed in '87). I am reminded of the saying that while none of us gets to choose the families we are born into, we do get to choose our friends and I like even more the saying that "Friend are the Family you get to choose" and indeed many of my closest friends have been as close or closer and much more involved in my life than blood relatives, such as cousins, but I guess that's modern life. Anyhow, let's all keep one another in our prayers and best wishes. I happen to believe in a number of things that others might not, and yet as one academic, a dean of Science & Technology once said to me when we were discussing metaphysics (quoting Dianne), "John, I am a scientist. I discount
NOTHING." And another dean said (and Barbara was Jewish), "As my mother said, 'light a candle' and i figure it can't hurt but only can help." Thus, unless our faith requires something truly outlandish like blood sacrifice of chickens or somesuch, let's just keep the
City of Heroes community in mind when next we each offer prayers, well wishes, etc. to the higher power (however you personally happen to conceptualize that.) With this in mind, RL, I would like now to extend my very deepest sympathies and condolences. Please know that I shall be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, even as I do when I am told of others experiencing recent loss. I know my own grieving process quite well by now. All love to you & yours in the Sacred Spirit.
John