Wendy - so sorry for your loss. I never knew my father but still felt a loss when I had learned he had passed. I can only begin to imagine how you must feel after not having a relationship for so long and then finally getting to know him.
My father passed away suddenly five months ago. We were very close (my brothers and sister live in different states) and I miss him very much. I can't imagine not having the relationship with him that I did; it was great. I am very glad that we lived in the same town and saw each other alot.