Last January I wrote about my friend here.
It has been six months since I agonized over my beautiful friend. If I had not written this article, this plea, I would never have known the power of Newsvine to direct, to witness, and to be the soothing balm that allowed me to go where I needed to go. I went to Al Anon meetings to get centered, get perspective, and was helped in unexpected ways. I feel confident that I know my place in this instance, with this family of five.
But it is not about me.
Just six months. In six months my friend has dwindled down to about 90 pounds. She refuses food, subsists on vodka, can hardly walk, and a whole lot of other things that I will not print here. She has lost the connection with one of her children, the eldest daughter, who moved out. She is 19. She quit college to work full time to support herself. There are two other children, a 17 year old daughter and a 12 year old son. They appear to be doing very well in school and in sports, but all cannot be well with them under the circumstances.
Oh! She was the best mother, worked from dawn 'til dusk, at home and with me in my clients' gardens. A superb mother; cleaning, cooking, adoring and adored. She did anything for anybody at a moments notice with a sweet smile and tender hands, and an extra touch of flowers from her gardens. Her home is a photographer's dream, both inside and out and all done on very little money.
To make a long and painful story shorter, somebody called Child Protective Services and now she is in a mandated rehabilitation facility for who knows how long. She went kicking and screaming, her husband in tears, her children sent to their friends for those terrible moments.
Sometimes the darkest messages will ironically bring the most positive results. This is her second day in withdrawal. It is her only chance of survival, if she can physically endure it.
And what about me? I am broken hearted. I know my place in this tragedy; even though I was made (without my knowledge)the contact person for the state second to her husband, I am not afraid to listen and interject a little wisdom when I am able. I know when to tell her husband that he needs to step up.
Thank you all my friends on Newsvine. ♥ You did it with me. You sent me to the right place for the needed counsel, you led me to understand that there is little to nothing I can do for her other than be her friend without judgement, and help her family when asked to do so.
And pray. I pray.
