I called my mother on her last birthday and it didn't really strike me until I was telling my then-boyfriend (now husband) about it what a special conversation it had been. She died unexpectedly about two months later and somehow all the things we'd talked about and the uncharacteristic things she'd said made sense - not that she knew was going to die but just in the funny way that life can play out I guess. I think because of that conversation I had an easier time with my mom's death than my siblings did. It has been a few years since she died but every so often she's very much alive in my dreams. I was touched by your story about your father and hope the good times you had with him continue to provide comfort.