April 22, 2008

[Chandra Amaya]

I'm so sorry, Tink. I think I remember hearing this on the news. How is your neice now?

[Tink]

Traci, my niece is finally out of group homes and living semi-independently. She was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and severe epilepsy. She's always had problems, and very poor parenting from my sister and her string of different husbands, so she's never really had a great chance for a normal life. DH #2 molested the girl when she was 12, so my sister sent her off to foster care and kept the husband for a couple more years.

When she shot her brother, it was intentional. Since she's got "issues" it's impossible to know if she actually realized the long term consequences or not. She was only 8 then and is now 26 and just learning to live on her own... so who's to judge? I'd always made sure to keep her away from my kids because I didn't trust her. Once they grew up, both my girls decided they wanted to get to know her for themselves and both came away with a better understanding of my thinking. It's sad to be that way about family, but she's killed her brother, was caught molesting younger kids, and I wasn't taking any chances.

[Chandra Amaya]

I don't blame you at all. Your kids have to come first. I would not have taken that chance either. It's sad that its seems she never really had a chance. It is sick that anyone would take advantage of a child, but even more so one with problems already. I commend you for have the strength to keep your children away until they made their own decisions, This would not have been a good influence for them at the very least.

[judy]

What a terrible, sad life for her and her brother to have. I'm sorry you and your family have that sorrow to bear.