The truth eventually comes out, . . .

Doesn't it? Ever since mid-March, when I told my BIL that he spent the entire Estate and needed to look for housing, he's been making up elaborate lies with frightening/erratic behavior. Because I couldn't weed through the constant barrage of his emotional outbursts to get to the truth, I did some investigating. I used the resources and information I had to determine that he DOES have multiple choices on places to live, he DOES have a lot more money/resources than I was aware of, and he DOES have multiple agencies and friends in regular contact with him to assist him.

Today, we start a new chapter in our family: CitiMortgage is now aware that we can't afford any more payments on that house, and has begun processing the paperwork for foreclosure/short sale. My BIL refuses to tell us where he's going or when he's leaving, so I guess he can just deal with CitiBank, now that the property is their responsibility. Besides the hundreds of thousands in monetary support over the past decade, from this day forward, I'm ending the emotional support. I won't subject myself or my kids to his verbal abuse or make any more excuses for his behavior/choices just because he's my husband's brother and has a disability.

As time goes on, I may learn additional detail about my BIL's situation, but none of it will change the facts I know today. Maybe someday, he'll change or ask for forgiveness or even admit to everything he's done; But today, I give that up to God - what a burden lifted!

Sharing the burden helped

I was one of the speakers at the Celebrate Women of Faith gathering at church on 4/24, and it helped to get some of that "stuff" off my chest. It also helped to be reminded of others and their struggles. The day before that, I attended a memorial service for a friend who is now widowed. My situation is not all that bad, and it will pass. I just need to remember that!

So hopeless . . .

Can't stop crying

Reggie's gone

Mom's 4-legged buddy, Reggie White, passed away overnight of old age. Sometimes a dog can witness in a way humans can't, so Julie felt it was time to secure her place in Heaven. I assisted in her prayer to accept Christ. What a blessing this little dog has been!

Met with the banker yesterday . . .

And the land appraised for only 15% of its previously-estimated value, so we're already over-extended on the Line of Credit. The bank will get back to me regarding options on paying it back, but that leaves no options for the house my brother-in-law is in. OK, so I get it that God is closing this door, but where's the open door? I don't know where I'm supposed to go from here.

Spring med change

Raj's doctor is adjusting his meds to counteract the mania he tends to at this time of year; So far, it seems to be under control.

It's hard to fathom . . .

the venom that can come from my BIL. Now, he's spewing to my mom, since Raj and I aren't taking his emotional abuse. I've found several leads for his housing, free to him as a Medicaid recipient, and sent a lot of information to him Saturday regarding additional assistance. He has options, but isn't really ready for that, so I screen phone calls/emails until he can communicate with civility, and I try to protect my kids from the reality that he values money/possessions and hate above all else. Makes me sick to my stomach.