I'm sorry for you loss. The death of a father is very painful. I'm sad that you had drifted about because of your step mother. There must have been something he enjoyed about her, I hope it wasn't all bad. Spouses have a way of getting into your head and changing your opinions. I don't think he should have listened to her, and should have kept you in his life. I hope you embrace the good times of your lives together. It sounds like he cared deeply for you before he meet her. Try to remember those times.