Quote:
1) I would normally be visiting her Dad, especially as his health is declining. I'm torn as I feel they'll wonder why I've vanished regardless of the M.


If he is in a facility, then visiting him would probably be okay. I would try to pick a time where it was less likely to run into the MIL or W. Especially since the MIL and FIL doesn't agree about the sitch.

Quote:
2) I take my Mother to the same Church every week, the very same Church the W stopped going to close to a year ago.


Continue to take your mother to church.


It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!