April 22, 2008
 

Nice picture! And a Happy Earth Day to you too!

Happy Earth Day everyone...didn't see this...so sorry I'm late!

Not to bring you all down, but in my family Earth Day is a sad day.
It was on Earth Day 1990 that my 10 yr old nephew died after being shot by his 8 yr old sister. I held his hand as he was taken off life support and have never been more broken hearted. He was to have spent the day with me, and at the last minute his parents decided he had to stay home because they were getting company and he should be there to help entertain the other kids. I still wish I'd just gone and picked him up as planned... It was a day that changed our lives forever.

Tink,
I am so sorry.

I cannot imagine how you feel, this date, every year.

Just know that a special prayer is being said, for you, and your family.

Tink, what a sad happening for you to experience and then experience the loss every year. I hope his family is doing well as the can with so many years passed.

Oh Tink what a tragedy. Here is a hug :hug:

Oh, how sad, Tink. I'm sure that it was a hard time for all of your family. :hug:

Happy Earth Day!

I am so sorry Tink!!!

That is a tragedy Tink. I'm so sorry for your family's loss.

I'm so sorry, Tink. I think I remember hearing this on the news. How is your neice now?

Traci, my niece is finally out of group homes and living semi-independently. She was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and severe epilepsy. She's always had problems, and very poor parenting from my sister and her string of different husbands, so she's never really had a great chance for a normal life. DH #2 molested the girl when she was 12, so my sister sent her off to foster care and kept the husband for a couple more years.

When she shot her brother, it was intentional. Since she's got "issues" it's impossible to know if she actually realized the long term consequences or not. She was only 8 then and is now 26 and just learning to live on her own... so who's to judge? I'd always made sure to keep her away from my kids because I didn't trust her. Once they grew up, both my girls decided they wanted to get to know her for themselves and both came away with a better understanding of my thinking. It's sad to be that way about family, but she's killed her brother, was caught molesting younger kids, and I wasn't taking any chances.

I don't blame you at all. Your kids have to come first. I would not have taken that chance either. It's sad that its seems she never really had a chance. It is sick that anyone would take advantage of a child, but even more so one with problems already. I commend you for have the strength to keep your children away until they made their own decisions, This would not have been a good influence for them at the very least. :ghug: