Yes, a very interesting article, Vicky. I also was called upon to make decisions as my father's health failed and after his death...even though he had only been in my life (sort of) for the last 9 years of his life. Mr. Smith is correct in that the anger, pain and resentment have to be dealt with before any successful interaction can be had between a "rejected" adult child and the absent father. I'm glad I was able to have done that, but every once in a while I wonder how different my life MIGHT have been if my father had been around while I was growing up. My mother, like Smith's mother, and like the compilation mother in his book, was strong, did not tolerate any backtalk, kept on us several kids about our grades, taught us morals and values, and made sure we were no stranger(s) to church.