The funeral service had come to an end and his body had been taken for cremation. I refused to go. I didn't want to see my father that way. I didn't want to have such awful memories. I wanted to remember him as the strong, courageous man he was even though he had his flaws. He wasn't perfect. He had his flaws- many flaws, but all in all, he was a good man and a wonderful father.

I was lodged in a hotel, refusing to live with my mother or move in with Aunt Ruth. I needed my personal space and some time off. I needed to think and come...