Sarah, you will be okay. You've shown tremendous strength through this ordeal. I don't know if I could handle my T being gone as long as she has. I agree with another poster; family is family. I would not respect a T who did not place their family first. So, while your T may very well want to come home, she might feel obligated to stay for the sake of her family member. I'm glad you have phone and email contact with her. Also, I'm sure her dog is a comfort.