An appology for my absence

I don't know why, but this is simply not my year. And while I am not going to wallow in self-pity, that won't help, I can hold on to the hope that even though this will be a difficult year, I am already looking forward to 2009. I'd like to fast-forward through the rest of this year.
My stepfather called on Monday morning to tell me that my mother was in the hospital because she had a stroke. It isn't her first, but it was a much more serious one than the last time. Fortunately, my stepfather was sitting right next to her when it happened, and he was able to call 911 immediately. As of today, my mom can walk and move with no problems, and is fully cognizant of her surroundings. Only her speech and swallowing have been effected. I have been talking with her on the phone, I can tell she is fully aware, but her words are all jumbled up.
It is a blessing that my stepfather is able to be there now in the hospital with her. The doctors feel that she will need to go to rehab for about a week for intensive speech and swallow therapy. My plan right now is to go home when she is able to come home. I feel it would be most useful to Jerry (stepfather) if I was able to be there when my mom came home.
Of course, I do not want to be going home for these reasons. The good news is that my principal was very understanding when I told him today. I will qualify for compassionate leave, so some of my time home will still be paid.
Hopefully, life can even out for a few days, as I prepare to go home. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at home but as you can all imagine, I have very mixed feelings about this upcoming trip.