@annex do not worry, you did not loose your spot, and work is much more important than game; besides, you have told us you were dealing with work related problems.
It is quite rare I kick someone out, most of the time I wait a while, send a message and if there is still no respond I put the character on the side. If it is not possible due to scenario I do use it until it make sense for him to do something else but always near the group. When the player come back I talk to him/her.
I always put life as more important than any games--even the most interesting one--I just ask if you can to tell me if you are pausing and how do you want me to handle your character: doing "something" else, or as an NPC--with minimum interaction but able to help the group. And if you cannot tell then it is not that important--it is often not easy have the mind, or to find the courage to write when you are not doing well.
So welcome back and as you see we did not advance much, I had to skip the first part about the circus performance.