Not sure if I could possibly be any more exhausted. Went to Richmond this morning and appeared before a most gracious judge at 10:30am. I didn't leave until 2:30pm! I never thought I could run out of words, but I did today. I am grateful for those God placed in my path yesterday evening...after 5 years of making reports and contacting the police over this horrific situation, justice was served today! I am teetering between relief and grief. Honestly, I don't want to think about the implications of today more than I have to at this point because a tragedy still remains. So, here is what was accomplished today:
I went before the judge to request an emergency order of protection on behalf of my grandparents. This would prevent my uncle from being able to further liquidate their assets, have any contact with either, and force him to vacate the home. Initially the judge was apprehensive since I don't have power of attorney. However, since they are incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves, I explained that I believed I was the only one who could and would fight for them. I presented the photos and videos that I had captured while there Tuesday. In the end, he agreed to the order and it was written as though Etta and James had asked for it themselves. AMEN!!! I have a voice!
Also today, my uncle was charged with 3 felony counts of elder abuse and neglect and 1 felony count of environmental neglect (allowing someone to live in those circumstances). Additional charges of embezzlement are possible. He was arrested at my grandparent’s home and is currently in jail.
As if that wasn't enough, I learned that the home they built in 1959 is scheduled to be condemned no later than next week. I will likely be given the opportunity to go back once more with the police to gather a few personal items that they can keep with them. It is so sad to look back at Tuesday- seeing them both literally rescued from the devastation they once knew as their home- never to return. The home soon to only exist in memories.
Shortly, James will move to a skilled nursing home until he can be stabilized. The goal would be to move to an assisted living facility after that. Etta remains in the geriatric psych ward for the time being. I have not had contact with either today as I couldn't bear to see them knowing what was taking place. Perhaps their incapacitation has its merits in that they are unaware of the conditions they were confined to and will likely not understand what has happened today.
While my heart breaks for so many reasons, I know pursuing this for them was not a choice. Unfortunately, rescuing and protecting my grandparents also meant that my uncle would be held accountable.
My prayer at this time is for my uncle as today his world, though terrible, has crashed down on him today. I pray he gets the help he needs to get clean and sober. I am also praying for my dad who lives in Richmond as well. He is unable to be involved for many reasons but namely because he truly cannot handle this emotionally. It has been difficult to communicate with him the progress that is made because I know it causes him so much pain. I hope he comes to a place in which he can visit his parents and reconcile with them to some extent. If nothing else, to help them all heal a little.
I can't thank you all enough for your love and support...just listening/reading this lifts a tremendous weight off of my chest knowing much of my strength comes from those who care.
xo, J.
"You have two hands,
one for helping yourself
and the other for helping others."
-Audrey Hepburn
I went before the judge to request an emergency order of protection on behalf of my grandparents. This would prevent my uncle from being able to further liquidate their assets, have any contact with either, and force him to vacate the home. Initially the judge was apprehensive since I don't have power of attorney. However, since they are incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves, I explained that I believed I was the only one who could and would fight for them. I presented the photos and videos that I had captured while there Tuesday. In the end, he agreed to the order and it was written as though Etta and James had asked for it themselves. AMEN!!! I have a voice!
Also today, my uncle was charged with 3 felony counts of elder abuse and neglect and 1 felony count of environmental neglect (allowing someone to live in those circumstances). Additional charges of embezzlement are possible. He was arrested at my grandparent’s home and is currently in jail.
As if that wasn't enough, I learned that the home they built in 1959 is scheduled to be condemned no later than next week. I will likely be given the opportunity to go back once more with the police to gather a few personal items that they can keep with them. It is so sad to look back at Tuesday- seeing them both literally rescued from the devastation they once knew as their home- never to return. The home soon to only exist in memories.
Shortly, James will move to a skilled nursing home until he can be stabilized. The goal would be to move to an assisted living facility after that. Etta remains in the geriatric psych ward for the time being. I have not had contact with either today as I couldn't bear to see them knowing what was taking place. Perhaps their incapacitation has its merits in that they are unaware of the conditions they were confined to and will likely not understand what has happened today.
While my heart breaks for so many reasons, I know pursuing this for them was not a choice. Unfortunately, rescuing and protecting my grandparents also meant that my uncle would be held accountable.
My prayer at this time is for my uncle as today his world, though terrible, has crashed down on him today. I pray he gets the help he needs to get clean and sober. I am also praying for my dad who lives in Richmond as well. He is unable to be involved for many reasons but namely because he truly cannot handle this emotionally. It has been difficult to communicate with him the progress that is made because I know it causes him so much pain. I hope he comes to a place in which he can visit his parents and reconcile with them to some extent. If nothing else, to help them all heal a little.
I can't thank you all enough for your love and support...just listening/reading this lifts a tremendous weight off of my chest knowing much of my strength comes from those who care.
xo, J.
"You have two hands,
one for helping yourself
and the other for helping others."
-Audrey Hepburn