Ang,
Please do NOT blame yourself in any way!
First off, this is just a game and for fun. Secondly, it is not all your 'fault' that the game has been moving so slowly. You have lost so many people who have actually dropped out, and then others have been very busy in general. The various factions were supposed to be able to work alone when they could not interact together, but there are not really any Ulfings left, and even the Borrim's numbers have dropped very low indeed.
At any rate...it's not just that games need guidance (some more than others, yes) by any means (and really that they 'need' it is debatable in my opinion...

).
I do not not
not want to see this game just close, but I do not know who else is able to continue it.
Both you and your mother will be in my prayers -- I hope her health improves, and I hope your life will settle down soon, as much as it can. I also wish you much luck at Oxford!
No worries here, just take care of yourself!
-Durelin