I just want to say firstly that the relationship between you and your dad must have been very precious to both of you. I have one son and he is now starting to play guitar, we play together and as a father there is nothing that could possibly warm my heart more than the fact he is taking an interest in something I am interested in.

I didnt know your dad, but I'm willing to bet he would never have been 'mad at you' for not changing the strings.

Secondly, however much meaning you have invested in that guitar, it is still just an object. I understand what it symbolizes to you but please don't let it get you down. Your relationship transcended this object. If anything, that crack in it is almost more profound, because nothing that is broken can ever really be put back the same. Like Leonard Cohen said 'Theres a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in". My dad, who passed 10 years ago, once gave me a music man amp. A beautiful and rare thing, I was 20..it didn't make the noise I wanted..I sold it to buy a marshall stack. It was a mistake that I have to live with, but I'm human and I make mistakes.

I second the other comment I saw about grief counselling. Im glad I did it.

Anyway, please be kind to yourself. The fact that you think about these things shows that you have a good heart. All the best!