Deb,

I can relate. My Mom passed away in 1973 at the age of 44 from lung cancer(she was a heavy smoker). She was taken out of our home unconscious and brought to the hospital where she didn't regain consciousness. I never got to say goodbye or I loved her. When my 44th birthday came up, I felt "weird". I can't describe the feeling but it was definitely eery.

Because we never know when our time is up, I ALWAYS tell the people who are close to me how much I love and appreciate them.