@tiffdavidson Ask your stepdad. He may have an idea that hasn't been shared by your mother, regarding you being there with her. You may not eed to come, but you want to come, which would mean a lot to her. Being overwhelmed is tough. When my dad had emergency heart surgery, I called my mother about coming up to help. She also responded, "you don't need to come. I don't want you here." But I flew up there anyway, rented a car from the airport, booked a room at a motel near the hospital, and was there the next morning when he awoke. He was pleased to see me. I like to think the stress of the situation was behind her words.
Ginger