Oh wow, @justclickindiva! So much truth here. The picture is arresting. Even before I read the narrative I was moved.

I agree. How can a child or parent, endure an estrangement? I've seen parents do it to their children. Nothing would make me 'disown' my child. And children refuse to forgive the parent. How?

Of course, in my case I did have a father I separated from when I was 11. That wasn't my decision, but I agreed with it. When I read his obituary recently there was no mention of children. He had six. We didn't exist. It's not that I didn't forgive him. It's that he didn't care to be forgiven.

Strange thoughts you have evoked in me, my friend. I guess we never know someone's situation. Life is peculiar like that.

I'm sorry for your personal loss, that you obviously feel deeply.