Grateful and 1000% surprised via /r/gratitude

My mom died suddenly 2.5yrs ago. My dad has a new companion. In theory, him having someone is great. In reality, it has been brutal. I just took him to dinner for father's day and his companion was in town so I invited her along. It seemed like it's his day, so I wanted to make it about him and not about me. I was borderline dreading it.

She must be growing on me some. It was enjoyable. If I had my way, it would be my mom sitting there, but I don't have my way, so it's she who is sitting next to him. He adores my mom, and he needs to continue to live without collapsing from the grief. It's not easy, none of it really, but it can be hard and I can be grateful at the same time.