Beautiful thread. One thing I might add...
If you haven't asked every question or know every aspect of your parents' or spouse's life, please begin now. Take on the role of bibliographer. When my Dad was given a 3-6 month prognosis in December '08 I sat down and asked questions and received minute details of his life (growing up, schools, jobs, Navy, etc) I asked what was his biggest joy, his biggest loss/regret, best time in his life, worse time, etc. I used a digital tape recorder as well as writing everything down. He passed away on 1/1/09. My Mom was given the same 3-6 month span at the end of Sept '08. I repeated the process, although starting right after my father passed away. Mom died on 10/15/08. I now have a great understanding on how and why my parents did what they 'did' with parenting. More importantly I have their words in their own voice when I need to 'talk' to them. I started the same fact finding with my wife of 36 years, not so much for me but for our kids.
The real crap part was the Docs saying 3-6 months. I could accept the 2 week outcome and would have made plans to stay there instead of traveling back and forth.
Joel/Mike: Holidays are rough times. Thankfully I have 2 grandsons that enjoy me being a part of their lives.
S