I can understand how painful this must be for you (his birthday especially). I am not looking forward to the day when either of my parents will be gone.
I know something of how you feel, and empathize. My mom has been gone, it'll be five years tomorrow. I still haven't gotten past the "Oh, I've got to talk to Mom about..." stage, though living in her house now has made it real for me.
And today marks two years since Katrina. Lot of people, cats, and others lost there.
Life isn't always easy, is it? But in tribute to our loved ones, we go on, and love more.