The tragedies that befell your dad and mom have helped you to realize how special they were and are and how much influence they've had upon you. Now is the time for you to step up and show mom how the values she helped to instill in you will guide you through this, helping her and others who may need you in the future. Some day your kids will be talking about how special you are like you're speaking of your mom right now. I can't imagine a better outcome.

Everything sounds like a cliche when you try to put these kinds of things into perspective. But I hope they help you to become a stronger person...the kind of person it sounds like your mom is and your dad was. Don't give up on life...power through the bad times so you can get to the next good time.

Good luck to you in finding the strength to deal with this and best wishes for continued improvement for mom.