Dear rsharpe - I'm so sorry for the difficult road your Dad has had to follow but it sounds like he has been a real fighter through all he has had to experience. It is good that he has you to be there for him and that he knows you are there to help your step Mom as well. I lost a dear friend in similar circumstances a year and a half ago and she, too knew and accepted that she was terminally ill long before the rest of us could or were willing to. Her cancer had spread to all parts of her body and she had heart problems as well. You mentioned your Dad being "a little short" with your step Mom. Please reassure her that this is just be part of the effects of the cancer experience and has nothing to do with the love he has for those around him. The importance of the precious few moments has been expressed so beautifully by Sandy. For me, it was a time that helped both my friend and I to share so much that previously, because of our busy schedules, there had been little time for. We talked about our experiences, children, grand-children, our shared hopes for the people and things that inspired us. We laughed, too - and once, when I could not hold back the tears, she comforted me! It was truly a special time for me and provided many happy memories of our friendship. I hope that you, too, will have many precious moments with your Dad and your step-mother that you can share with each other in the days ahead.