How do you take car keys away from a loved one?

Yes, this is my delimma today.  I feel that no matter how or what I say to my sister, it will be the wrong thing.  I am an author and thought I am good with words, but I can't find ANY words to say that won't be painful for both of us.  God, help me to figure this out.

After all, I am basically taking away her independence just like Alzheimers is stealing pieces of her personality away from her.  No way for an even trade here.  

KC Woman Now A Domestic Violence Statistic

Essence Willoubhy

A precocious 3-year-old boy helped find his mother’s body Tuesday in a creek at the bottom of a ravine in Kansas City after he told police he witnessed her death. The young mother of two had been missing since Sunday morning. The boy recounted crying and seeing a man hit his mother then put her in water after they had attended church.  Her family said Essense had been in an abusive relationship for 5 years and was not living with the abuser at the time of her death.

Wonder if she had an order of protection?  Had she been to any of the domestic violence shelters in Kansas City?  Did her family know what to do to help her?  They must have because they knew she was being abused.  So many questions, so few answers.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/14/3915094/kc-police-searching-for-woman.html#storylink=cpy

Losing My Sister to Alzheimers

HORRENDOUS!!!!! 

This powerful word does not even begin to describe the horrors of this terrible, awful disease!!  My English professor friend would say I am overusing the exclamation point but this the only way I vent my anger at this disease.  It is stealing my younger sister by sucking her personality away in small bits and pieces.  She almost never sings any of our favorite songs any more.  I see her beautiful, friendly smile less often and try to sear each and every one into my memory.  Speaking of my memory, is it going to disappear like hers?  Such a scary thought I don't let myself think of it very often or very much.  Must go get ready to drive the 300 miles to go to the doctor with her and continue plans of moving her to assisted living in Kansas City soon as possible.  Doctors say it isn't safe for her to live alone.

FREE 60 Minute Massage

FREE MASSAGE and a glass of French wine and a donation to Hope House - marvelous way to get rejuvenated for the rest of your holiday shopping.  A 60 minute therapeutic massage gift certificate will be given away at Full Circle Fundraiser for Hope House on 12/11 at Boozefish Wine Bar --   6-9pm.

Battered for Thanksgiving

No, I'm not talking about battering together pumpkin pie ingredients. Bruises, broken bones, and bullet words are on the menu for victims of domestic violence.

*Christmas = 17 % increase
*Thanksgiving = 22% increase
*New Year's Day = 32% increase

Source: The Domestic Violence Action Center

What to buy teenagers for Christmas???????

Finally something besides the green stuff (money in gift cards)..  Suggestions copied from Hope House Christmas Wish List    ----   Watches, wallets, MP3 players, cologne, TV shows & movies on DVD sets and sports blooper videos, DVD and teen board games (Scene It, Taboo, Shout About Movies), DVD players, hair accessories, purses, age appropriate make-up/nail polish, perfume, cologne, journals, local sports jerseys, tennis shoes, and gift cards(Foot Locker, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, Target, ITunes), prepaid cell phones with minutes, cell phone accessories, digital cameras, jewelry, movie passes.

 

 

New SHOCKING STATISTICS From MARY KAY CORPORATION

• 95% reported survivors needed to stay in shelters for longer durations of time.
• 58% of shelters reported abuse is more violent since 2008.
• Unable to help 1 in 4 children due to cutting back in services. 
•  64% reported young women (age 12-24) are requesting help in greater numbers.
• 92% of shelters had to end or scale back specific programs and services.