Thanks for sharing your story. From the guy perspective it seems normal that women often look for a father figure. The father figure the way its suppose to be in a perfect world, but often isn't. I agree you were lucky with your ex, he was a good choice on your part. The pain now is part of the pleasure from when you were together. Again normal, I think. Yeah its sad it didn't continue, but despite the family you describe, you now have a solid foundation of what a good, caring, loving person is like and you know you want another just like that in the future. May not help you feel better this very second, but this is all very positive.