My heart breaks for you. My husband is leaving for a week later this year and the thought is killing me. He needs to stay with his mom who is mentally ill also and it cannot be avoided, nor would I ever feel comfortable asking him not to go. It's killing me though, so my heart really goes out to you. I've hid in the closet when very scared too so I really relate to the challenge you're up against. Keep your dog close and try to plan some fun things for you and your son to do together. A new game to play, some DVD's to watch....anything you can enjoy together. That is my plan. If you cook you can plan your meals in advance and cooking 3 fun meals per day will take up some time, plus be fun to eat together. Good luck and write us here is it gets to be too much....we might be able to support you through it. Oh, and if you have friends or family you can call, that can be helpful too....a nice chat daily with people you trust can be grounding.