My father died last week. He would have been 90 years old on the 18^th of this month. I suddenly realized that since my Mom passed away in 2001 I have become an orphan. It doesn’t matter that I’m almost 60 years old.  I’m still parentless. When we lose our parents our world changes regardless of our age. A part of our living history is gone forever. We can’t call or drop by and reminisce or ask about great aunt so and so. If we don’t have the information now, it could be lost forever. What we do have, however, is a treasure trove of memories. Fond recollections of pieces of our past and a profound gratitude for the life we have been given. Even if your parents weren’t perfect, and I don’t think any of them are, two people have given you a most precious gift. Because they lived, you live. Celebrate your life and the lives of your parents. Make it count.