Gail, I had the samething with my brother, not being able to hold him and say I love you. We said good-bye over the phone but it isn't the same. I miss him so much sometimes it just hurts more than I ever thought it could. After losing my parents after they suffered for months I came to terms with those that die are in a much better place, it is us left behind that have to live with the pain of not having them with us. I am just so glad that we here have each other.