Thanks everyone for all the positive input. When I requested to be put on part-time status, I was immediately given the option of working 3 -12 hour days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) so I could keep my full time status in order to keep all my benefits, but I'd still be able to spend more time at home with my parents as well...a truly win-win situation I think! 

 

Communication is essential to any good relationship.  At work, you don't have to give everyone every detail of your personal life, but at least keeping your boss informed about things that might effect your attendence at work  shows you take your job seriously.  The past few years my boss has been aware of my parental role reversal and their declining health. She actually shows a real interest in my situation because I think this is something many adult children face. Grabbing pointers from others who have been there themselves comes in handy when it's your turn to step up to the plate.

 

It's nice to have such a supportive employer and you never really know just how valued you are as an employee until there's a critical situation in which they can either help you achieve your goals or they can strictly play it by the book and do what they think is best for business. In this case, they did both and I deeply appreciate all the moral support I continually receive at work, in my private life and via my blog.  Once again...a heartfelt thank you to all my fellow abnormally normal people who not only read my ramblings, but who have jumped in here and interact because birds of a feather flock together!