Wow, Karen! - Sounds like you sure have been going way "above and beyond the call of duty" with everything you have done for your Dad! Even to the point of putting your children on the back burner so to speak. Sounds like they really do need your attention and it must be so difficult to be pulled in so many different directions. Let the "surrogate mother" do her thing and when she complains, tune her out and think beautiful thoughts (on the phone, just hold the phone away from you so you can't hear anything and when she stops, just say, uh-huh). She must be really stressed out - her reactions, complaining (i.e.nagging) are probably just her way of coping. And we all cope in different ways. I think you have the right idea, Karen - hope for the best and just focus on your Dad. But also, it's important to try and do something for yourself, too! I do hope everything goes well for your Dad. I'll be sending positive vibes your way.