Stephen...Thank you for posting this thread, and your story along with it. My husband of 40 years died last year quite unexpectedly, and there have been many times since then when life has seemed somehow pointless. I can well imagine how hard it must have been for you to be so stressed there was little time to grieve.
I, too, find things to be thankful for. I had an extraordinary person in my life for a very long time, I live in a beautiful place with 3 great dogs, and there are many days now when I feel grateful just for being ABLE to feel grateful for all that I had and still have.
The Mudcat forum in general, and some Mudcatters specifically, have been a big help in my own travels thru grief. It is extraordinary, the sense of community here, like always being able to go hang out for a bit with yer mates, even when too tired to stir out of the chair.
So glad to hear that your life is beginning to stabilize, and that you are even in a position to help your stepdaughter. I am grateful to you and to everyone here for all the humor, support and music input. I'm grateful too, for whatever music I can make, and to share in the joy of others doing likewise. Happy Thanksgiving!