We all understand that. It's a risk we all took. My wife was concerned for her granny's failing health. We had a visitor visa for her a that was valid until May 11 2017, and a OWP. So, if need be, she could have returned home to attend to matters. We also waited to have kids of our own, until we knew for sure they would let her stay. I am sorry you missed those events..
You'd mentioned you didn't take an OWP. Did you maintain status in Canada (TRV) after the typical 6 months granted on entry? If not, then the border traversal could be problematic, if you overstayed (ran out of status)...