(((IKathyM))) hope its ok i answer you
When i look back to my youth never in my dreams did I see my life ending up where I am now.
Trouble and worrys .....yes awwwww
you said
"My father, for instance. When he was at the end of his life, I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. When he died, it felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest. I longed for the "care-free" days of my youth.

Somewhere along the path that painful memory turned into a kind moment that makes me smile"

I too faced that weight.....its a hard one to carry...
You have done so well with it((you make me smile)))
Hence why i think we are all on the same path of peace...kindness and love...

sorry I interuped....You always make me smile and know we are all cared about ((ty))
muffy