oops..Omit when..
the telegram and called the hospital she already passed away. I went back to Rome for the funeral, but I wanted so much to see her one more time and to hear her beautiful laughter and beautiful face..

should have sais,,see her beautiful face..

So sorry to hear this, marilynr, and glad for you that you had that day with him.

Thanks again, everyone for the kind support.
My dad was pretty smart...bought trip insurance from Princess Cruises. It paid for his "transport" back to the States and made dealing with the embassy easy. If he had lived, it would have covered a medical escort back to California. The Princess contact was extremely helpful and easy to reach.
Happy healthy travels to all of you! mar