sbGal: What a horrible story. I'm glad you are okay, and hope the rest of your family / pets all did okay.

As for your bike, I could recommend what I am riding... it's not a true commuter, but is also not a hard-core road bike. It seems like it's a bit heavier and more comfortable than a true roadie. It's a Specialized Sequoia. View and read reviews here

What it doesn't have (at least the one I bought a couple years back) is a place to attach racks to the back. Of course you could put one off the wheel, but not off the frame itself. Maybe they've changed that?

Anyway -- great smooth riding bike for a decent price.

I hope you find something you love and get out there on the road again! You'll get lots of suggestions here, I know! The secret is just to start test riding a bunch! Ask your friends if you can ride theirs for a short ride and see what you think.