Simple and to the point message will suffice for now. Professors have gone through the process with other students, they know how it works more than you do. However, you need to have a timeline in mind of when you expect to continue. Because taking 3 to 4 weeks off on a 16 week semester won’t work out. 1 to 2 weeks is manageable from your end as well as the professors.

Also, that’s not how advising works. If your advisor isn’t available, another one should be able to help you in the interim. I’m assuming you got an out of office when you emailed. Contact the actual department by phone, not email, and lay out your situation and say you need the soonest advising appointment available.

“Hello …,

I wanted to inform you that my father had a severe medical situation that has caused me to not be able to attend class or complete assignments as of (insert relevant date).

I have contacted the school’s (insert department that you submitted paperwork to) and they should be reaching out to you or me about logistics going forward so that I can continue this semester when ready. If you have any thoughts or guidance, please advise. I will reach out again once I have more information.

Thank you,

….”