Your advice about not trying to fast forward things is spot on. If I'm truthful, I can see that it does always lead to a backfire. So, just keep taking things day by day... and getting your feedback and support is something that helps me to keep on going.
(I find I'm crying now just as I type this, as you're actually the first person with whom I've had any interaction about my sitch - I'm still in denial that it can actually be happening and too afraid to tell anyone as it might make it 'real'.)
OK, all recovered. I will read the recommended texts - thanks again for sharing this info and being such a help.