Oh my gosh Jeni, you have SO much going on, all in one week. I know that must be difficult for you. I am so sorry about the loss of your father, I found what you wrote: "I guess I'm grateful that we had something worth grieving for in the end" so touchingly beautiful.
Saturday will certainly be tough as well. I remember when my mother dropped me off at University and we hugged and hugged and sobbed and sobbed. It was difficult but I came to love University and we still kept our strong connection throughout the years.
Best wishes to you, you are really taking it from all sides but as you said, being sober is certainly the best way to get through all this.
A big hug.