Toonces...It happens to us all...the denial, that is. I guess that's how we're able to cope with the sad things in life.
I read about your near-meeting too. ;)
BTW, I see by your profile you're a New Yorker. I almost typed "New Yawker" but the last time I said that to one of your native sons, he took offense ...even though I was joking.
There was a commercial about Pace Picante Sauce that was run frequently in Texas a couple of years ago...about a group of cowboys' reaction after one of them discovered a guy had brought Picante to their cook-out that was made in...NEW YAWK CITY!!!! (It's made in San Antonio).