[bowener]

Guys, I cannot thank you enough for everything that's been said in here. Even stuff that may have been bad or incorrect advice. Just seeing the dialogue between people in here some how cheers me up. I guess, in a way, it makes this whole event more real or normal in a sense... maybe not normal... more human? I don't know. I do know that right now I do not give a damn if he hates me and curses me to hell. Wouldn't bother me in the slightest. What I do know is that that next time I hug my niece and look her in the eyes I can do so knowing I didn't let her down. I didn't let her dad leave, and go off to his death. I am most proud of that.

With that being said, this is going to be hell, and I am going to be the one doing the heavy lifting and shouldering the burden as much as possible. My family is an old family. Mother and father are 65, and our step-father is 73. All have major health issues. I have an older step-brother, who I love dearly, that has CP, and can barely get around on his own now. I am 28, and will be looking after my 32 year old brother the rest of his life or at least I may have to. I know my brother very well, and it will take a god damn miracle for him to stay clean or sober. However, if the insurance company for the jewelry steps in, his primary caretaker will be a warden for several more years.