Letters to the Editor

What kind of people are victims of elder abuse ? the short answer is OTHER PEOPLE - in an effort for readers to meet some of these ' other people' I have received permission from Fran to print the moving letter she wrote us, this letter shows that the other people that are victims of this horrible crime are people just like you ........ Blog Administrator

Ray,

I have re-read your email several times. You have been through a horrible experience and from the text of your letter, the pain continues for you. I know how difficult it is to work with the legal authorities, but it is well worth the effort. My sisters and I worked for almost a year before we had any resolution to our parents' case. The sentence given by the court was not sufficient, in my mind, but I believe that life itself will provide the ultimate justice to the perpetrator.

I wish that there was something that I could say that would be a help to you. The only thought that helps me keep my sanity is that my parents had a wonderful life. In this world where so few people find real and lasting happiness, my parents found that special someone who made their life complete. From the pictures on your blog, it appears that your parents found that special someone too.

Though I have three sisters, only one of my sisters and I are caring for our mom. Another sister is disabled and the other -- well, we called the police and had her thrown out of town because she was abusing our parents and stealing the money mom and dad had saved for their "golden years." It is unthinkable to me that this sister could have been raised in the same home with the same parents as I had. She was loved "to distraction" just as I was. Why did she consider it her right to take what my parents had saved? You must be asking yourself the same question about your brother!

The most that I can do right now is keep my website going "An Italian-American Family" and tell everyone I know what happened to my family. I hope that the information I have learned will help others. It appears that your website is well read and though you may never know how many or who you have helped, I believe that you are helping others. Your parents would be proud of your efforts and they love you more than you will ever know. Though our fathers are gone from this life, I really believe that they are still here with us, still loving us as they always did.

If you think it would be helpful, I could put a link from my site to your blog. My experience is very different than yours and it might be helpful to others to link the sites to one another.

Please keep in touch with us. I believe that someday our efforts will be rewarded.

Fran

stopelderabuse@gmail.com