If I might chime in on the gun question... 
I suggest, first and foremost, finding a way to shoot a variety of them to see what fits your hand and what you like best. Many ranges offer rental guns - take advantage of that. Or, if you have a friend/family member who can go to the range with you and let you try a few different ones they have, even better.
As for what you want, it depends. For concealed carry, I have two I carry routinely - an mid-sized Springfield 1911 in .45, or for deep concealment, a Smith & Wesson Model 60LS revolver. When I travel, I go with the revolver - can't really wear the 45 when sitting for a long period of time, unless I carry openly (which I also do on occasion).
The big players in semi-automatics are Glock, Springfield, and Smith & Wesson. Glocks are super reliable, but terrible ergonomically (that's not just my opinion - I know die-hard Glockoholics who will tell you that, too). I personally prefer Springfields. I tell people I can hit a sheet of paper at 10 yards with a Glock 19 (9mm). I can hit a half-dollar at 10 yards with a Springfield XD-M in 9mm. It just fits my hands better.
Revolvers are a good choice, actually, even given slower reload time, etc. The original point-and-click interface. 
I like both Smith & Wesson and Ruger - both make reliable, functional wheel guns.
Most FFL's loathe Bud's Gun Shop - they undercut the dealers all the time. The last place I worked actually wouldn't even accept transfers from them for that very reason. You should check with your son-in-law and see if he's willing to do it for you, first.
I agree with Ribit, though - love the feel of wood and steel. A lightweight gun will be super easy to carry all the time, but will kick like an angry mule on PCP when you try to shoot it. Won't do you much good it's easy to carry but impossible to shoot a target with it.
Good luck. I know the feeling completely. I rarely travel without one of my little friends on board. Just not safe for a gal on her own on the road anymore.
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