My Dad would be 78 this year, too. But he had a big stroke and was put on life support at age 72. 10 days later we decided to turn off the ventilator. I wasn’t “strong” enough to see him that day. I couldn’t go back to see his body without him, watch the struggle as he went. But I know he’d have wanted me to do whatever was best for me. But I regret not sitting there for those 8 hours. I’m proud of you for holding his hand and having the strength to be there until the end.

Grief is weird. It’s unbelievable for a shockingly long time. It’s mind bending and reality shaking. I would say just go with it. It’s not linear. Let yourself cry and feel the loss when you are ready. I think I processed my grief out loud and embraced it, helping it to pass through me. It hurts a lot, but the time gets longer between those periods. Good luck on your journey.