Dear Cowboy Daughter,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious father. My dad died October 11th, 2010 and he was my best friend my whole life also. He had Alzheimer's and was losing some of himself, but he always knew me and was so happy to be with me. We went walking every Monday and then had lunch for the past 7 years. He called me every year on my birthday and sang Happy Birthday to me. It broke my heart when he could not do it last year cause he was in the hospital. People say "well you had your father for a long time and this is to be expected" I don't know if they say that to you but it makes me so upset. Yes, we all have to lose our parents but it is such a huge loss, and saying that feels like minimizing it to me. I would give anything just to be able to call my father up and hear his sweet voice once more.
I go to this site and read other daughter's posts about their fathers and cry periodically and it does help. i don't know why Hospice does not have a Daughters who have lost their Fathers group, they have one for daughters who have lost mothers. I read so many posts from daughters who like you and I are grieving for a dad who was so very important to them their whole lives.
Don't feel bad about crying, I do all the time at random moments. He will always be with you in your heart and soul. I try to remember that I carry my dad with me that way and his impact will never be forgotten by my children either. Take care.