Shell and Sunstreet, I can totally understand. My Dad had passed from COPD. Basically severe Asthma, Bronchidus and empheseema(sp). It was at the point where he was in the hospital ICU units every two weeks. I was with him Thursday 5/25/06 in the Nursing home with Mom and one of my older sisters. We had what turned out to be, his final supper with him. When I left I did my ritual which was get them both fresh ice water hug them both and kiss them both good bye. That night I told my Dad goodbye, kissed him and said I love you Daddy. I came home and spoke to my oldest sister and told her that before the weekend(Memorial day), was over we would be in the hospital as Dad did not look that great. The next morning, Friday 5/26/06 at 8:52am, a time which is ingrained in my mond for what seems like forever, I received the call form the nursing home and drove to the hospital where he was pronounced DOA. People ask me how I am doing? I look at them and ask how do you think and usually start getting teary eyed. Having seen Dad go through so much in a way it is a relief to know he is at peace. I still do miss him terribly and usuallyend up crying uncontrolably. I am glad that we can gather strength from each other and be here, for each otehr. I too am going to go into counseling to get through this. I would like to share a quote from a card I received from my co-workers. this quote seems to help me find some peace. "His Journey's Just Begun" by E Brenneman "Don't think of him as gone away-- his journey's just begun, life holds so many facets-- this Earth is only one. Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years. Think how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched... for nothing loved is ever lost-- and he was loved so much." Hugs to all Joe