First of all I am so sorry for your loss. 51 years is a long time and you are to be congratulated. Mindless gave you some very good suggestions for your area. You will get through all of this a bit at a time. I am so unfamiliar with TX. I love my FW and it may be a good basic machine for you to use. They are work horses. I have heard of people sewing canvas with them. Always remember to thread the needle from right to left where most machine thread the eye of the needle from left to right. Take care of yourself and drop in here anytime.