I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I know how you feel. My mom passed away October 3, 2004. I was off at college. Hang in there. Time is the only thing that will heal the pain.
Jarred, it's not the best way to have to remind people to tell their parents how much they love them. I hope you got a chance to tell your step father as well. My condolences to you and your family.
I did get a chance to say what I needed to say, but it came after the damage had been done. I let my anger over his alcoholism cloud my judgment, I didn't understand how bad he wanted to talk to me.