Sharlee -
I know it is so difficult when something happens to one of our children. I always felt, it would be much easier if I could take the pain for them. I use to feel that once they were grown it would get easier, but it doesn't. You always worry about your children no matter how old they get. But you are a strong woman and you will get through this. Such good advice you've gotten above. Malka's right, some people can't handle being in hospitals or around sick people. My ex was the same way and could just not handle any kind of crisis situation. When my mother died, I flew back East from Chicago with my children and he came later (by car) after everything was all over to drive home with us. Try not to worry about the ex g.f. Malka has given you some good ideas, and besides you have better things to think about like all the people who do care about you and are here with big hugs for you.