I'm sorry to hear that. :( Know that many of us are feeling the same way right now, and that no matter how much you try to prepare yourself you won't ever be truly prepared. It's hard to swallow the realization that next year he won't be there, he might not see your new-born child, he won't be there to experience anymore of your ups and downs and accomplishments of life.

Deep down i know that anything i say won't help, only you can deal with it. I know you feel helpless that you can't do anything and it's painful watching your father wither from afar. If this makes you feel a little bit better, when people lose their minds, i like to believe that though their body is still working, their spirit and mind does not have to suffer anymore and is merely wiating for their body, and soon they will truly be in a better place-heaven, meeting their long lost friends and relatives again, rejoicing and waiting and watching over you. I am not religious or Christian, but i still believe in a 'heaven', where everyone with good hearts come after death and live happily.