Living with a Sociopath

I have a name for it now.  For years I tried to understand my father's mental illness.  I knew he was sick, but he just didn't fit into the disorders I read about.  Then last week some psychologist were talking about Casey Anthony and described her as a Sociopath.  I sat open-mouthed as they described her symptoms.  then I ran to the computer and read more.  Thats when I found out that my father is a sociopath.
So, now I've had time to digest this.  Every article talked about the dangers of living with one.  Every psychologist talked about getting away from them as quickly as possible.  They're need to hurt you, the inability to love are detrimental to anyone that comes near.  They're manuputalive and will lie until they believe the lie.  There is no cure, but they suggest if you need to be around one that you seek help.  I've been cursed at, screamed at, told my husband couldn't stand me.  None of his rants are based in reality.  They are based on inflicting pain.  
So, now I've got the explanation as to why he attacked me more after my husband died.  A sociopath is like a wolf--they'll wait until you're wounded and go in for the kill.  Show any weakness and the attacks will go on without stopping.  
When I lost my husband my dad nearly pushed me over the edge.  I begged God to take me just to escape.  I'm an ex-Catholic which is a God-send because had it not been for that fact, I'm sure I wouldn't still be here.
So, now I've got the diagnoses.  Now I understand.  It changes things for me.  With an actual name for his disorder I've spend time researching how to handle him.  And that's what I'm doing.  I see how he works.  I see the joy he gets in seeing people suffer.  I've therefore put on my armor.  I no longer believe anything he says.  He told me he was sick recently.  I became frighten, thinking the worst.  Iurged him to see a doctor, but he said he knew what he was doing and it was none of my business.  Then it hit me.  He's not sick.  This is just one of his ploys to get me upset.  So, instead of playing into it, giving him the argument that he wanted, I just said you're right.  Long pause followed.  I could tell he was shocked.  I then changed the subject.  A half hour later I talked about my new health club and how I had him to thank for making me so interested in staying healthy.  Then he went on to say how healthy he is and how he hasn't been sick in ages.  Just that quickly he'd forgotten the lie.  That's life with a sociopath.  
Trust nothing they say.
I've been sleeping well since I learned that.