Cheryl - (((( hugs )))) to you and your family.  I am so sorry to hear that you Step Mom has passed away.  Work/Life balance sure has it's moments and I agree 100% with you on that.  I'm feel so good in my heart that you got to visit with your Step Mom twice though and I'm sure that it gives you peace as well.  I'm so glad that she didn't go on suffering; as I told you my Mom had the same cancer.  Oncology would tell us when she was doing so well and you went into the denial stage.  They would say it was the calm before the storm.  So I believe that is what took place with you Step Mom.  Absolutely your Dad is lost and will be for a long time.  He'll need you and your sister more than ever now.  I hope that collectively your family can decide what is in the best interest of your Dad.  Possibly bring him closer to where you live so you both can check in on him?  See if there is a program that he can be a participant of that takes care of the elderly in their resident's rather than placement to a nursing home.  Or look into an Assistant Living Care.  I'm sure your head is just spinning right now Cheryl as if you didn't already have enough on your plate.  You are a wonderful daughter Cheryl but you have to also take care of Cheryl.  This transition in life is very hard and takes a toll on your own health as I'm living proof of this.  I will keep you all in my prayer's and know that all of your friends are here for you any time you need us or we can help.

As for me:  My elderly neighbor across the street called me last night as my Dh was cutting his grass.  He is in a funk and very sad that his adult children and his grandchilden do not give him much attention. He has a full plate of visiting his wife and taking care of his own failing health.   They are use to having a very well maintained yard.  He called someone to give him an estimate on doing an overall on it and they never came to provide that.  He went on and on regarding what he wants done.  On one hand he says he can't expect Dh to do it all.  On the other hand in the gray area he is hoping Dh will.  His yard is twice if not a little more larger than ours.  He has all kinds of plants, bushes and trees it never ends.  I'm not even suggesting it to Dh.  He has five adult children plus husbands/wifes, grandchildren and great grandchilden and they need to get off there lazy butts and pitch in!  

On Thursday I got my porch completely scrubbed off and my porch furniture available to sit on.  I'm not done but I feel so good about what I accomplished.  I is suppose to rain on and off today so I will work on getting stuff done inside the house today hopefully. 

I hope that you all take the time to post.  Have a great day!  Cheryl again (((( hugs )))) sorry for your loss and if there is anything I can do please let me know.
Karrie