Dealing with a lot of frustration today.

[Ilsa]

A family member was sentenced yesterday for parole violation on a felony theft charge. Her parole violation was a DUI where she had a head-on collision and totalled two cars, including the car she "borrowed" from another family member. Thankfully, no one was severely injured in the accident.

The judge could have sentenced her to two years, in a facility that would have gotten her the help she needs for her drug addiction. But he went easy on her and gave her more probation. I hope she doesn't get killed before she violates probation again.

[TygrBright]

1. Ouch. I think that would be my reaction, too.

Judges can be astonishingly ignorant sometimes, even the well-intentioned ones.

That said, deep breath and Step One.

What can you control in this situation? What can your frustration and elevated cortisol levels do to improve things?

Hang in there.

ruefully,
Bright

[Stuart G]

2. I agree with Tyger..She needs immediate professional help, (but she needs to say yes to that)

and also, deep breathing does help us get thru this day...That is all we have..We cannot change others, we need to change ourselves.

[Ilsa]

4. Spot on...thank you, see my reply below Tyger's. nt

[Ilsa]

3. Thank you for your reply and words of wisdom.

There is very little any of us can do except try to anticipate her next move and prepare for it. There are a few enablers around that she will likely turn to...
Deep breath...
Calmness...prayer...hope...yoga...
Deep breath...

[Journeyman]

5. I hope she doesn't kill or maim someone else before she gets help. . .

I wish her all the best and pray she finds her way to the help she needs soon.

[Ilsa]

6. Amen. Unfortunately, there is an enabler in

the family (elderly and forgetful, too shortsighted) who is easily taken advantage of, so when she steals from the enabler, the enabler refuses to press charges. If the enabler had done so in the past, the girl would be exiting prison about now, possibly reformed and sober.