Dave: Sorry to hear about the final chapter but the mention of the reunion in Heaven makes me remember how my sister, mother and I believed that my Dad was reunited with his father and brother on December 14, 1995 when he passed. Made for a joyous image. I believe things like that are true.
Mdduce: My sympathies to you in the loss of your mother. I lost mine on September 1, 2002. Interesting how this thread is becoming one of outpouring, comfort and solace from otherwise strangers. As someone else said, sometimes there is purpose in suffering. Making all of us here appreciate those fine folks in our families is certainly a noble purpose.
I've said it before: Better go call or visit those old folks now while they're still around, because one day they won't be, and it will really surprise you to find how much you wish you could her their voices again.
Oh, and Firedood: You went to a Senators game? Man, you must be as old as I am.

Was your first car a Studebaker or a Henry J?
A little comic relief, there.