I won't give up on your Mom either Karen and will keep her in my thoughts.
Great news about school. I think that besides offering career potential you'll also feel better doing something you enjoy and that will get you out into the world of the "normals". (lol...we all know everyone's a little bit nuts).
PS. My sister did an Esthetician course before doing hairstyling courses. She went on to own her own salon in Vero Beach, which she just sold last week and now plans to retire and maybe just work a little bit.