<human>: As of yesterday, my girlfriend informed me that her step dad, who has been working thousands of miles away for about two years, has separated from her mother, who is living at their original home. She hasn't had it easily before this either; she had a seemingly brutal divorce years ago, followed by 2 breast cancer scares. 
My girlfriend and I have been dating now since our sophomore year in high school, and we are now rising college juniors (almost 5 years). I really love her and would like to pursue a more serious relationship with her, and I know that that sort of commitment will entail a lot of extra effort towards her side of the family, specifically her mother. As I feel like her mother is completely a victim in this situation, I'd like to ask Reddit for help on keeping her happy. I'd like her to continue to see the bright side of situations, like I've always known her to do. I have about a month left of being back home and being able to visit her.

Can you give me a shortened version of the text?
<bot>: Girlfriend's stepdad is an asshole, separates with her mom, her mom has had a lot of bad luck and needs cheering up.