Both of my parents died after prolonged illnesses. My mother had a stroke that put her in a coma for months before she died and my father had Alzheimer’s. I had plenty of time to grieve before they died because they were very much no longer there. My regrets are that so many questions went unasked and unanswered. I would urge everyone whose parents are still alive to focus on getting to know them while you still can. See them. Hear them. Find out what they love about life. There will be plenty of time to grieve when they are really gone.