My Dad died in 1966 at the age of 41. My Mom was only 40 at that time. All three of us(me, my sister, and brother)would have given anything if she would have met someone and re-married. She chose to stay alone and is still alone at the age of 79. I think the bottom line here, Kim, is wishing nothing but happiness for that parent. Happiness is the most important thing to me. However, it was ultimately up to my Mother to decide how she would be the happiest. I wonder if Kathy is living a life that is totally dictated by her children or does she choose that life for herself?