Sorry about the loss of your mom and your wife's step-father.

I am not sorry for you opportunity to get a job at a decent place (maybe sorry for your temporary lack of a paycheck).

When I was in a management position, I had an employee with over 30 years as good employee who's father had cancer. He was the primary caregiver that had to make sure he made it to all his cancer treatments and doctor visits. I told him to take all the time he needed and just keep me informed. I took a little flack for giving him the leeway with the time off, but my thinking was I had a good employee that had taken fewer sick days that you could count on one hand for 30 years, so why should I be upset if he needed a few now? That is how I wanted to be treated if I were in the same situation. And for the record, he could have taken advantage of the company, but he didn't. He only took the time he needed.

My Beard Journey:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/25137/Finally-I-have-a-Beard
Beard and Bald Thread:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/27831/Beard-bald-head-shaved-head-or-buzzcut
Patchy Beard Success Stories:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/33742/Patchy-Beard-success-stories-Before-and-After-photos#.ViujbH7nuM8
Taming the Wild Mustache:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/30822/Taming-the-Wild-Stache#.Vj_Mh7erTIU