in reply to @loribmt Thank you very much for your kind words. I cannot at this time forgive my niece for what she has done because her act was so outrageous, senseless and completely irresponsible. When my sister initially told me what happened, she tried making excuses such as, "L is under a lot of stress and just found out she might lose her job." However, my niece already had another job offer in place, so the point was moot. There are no plausible excuses for what has happened, and the road to "recovery" will be long and paved with an insurmountable amount of grief.
I think I may have slept 3 hours last night. Woke up at 5, baked 4 dozen cookies, went grocery shopping for my neighbor and just finished cooking her a pound of bacon, which I abhor. I have spent some of the morning working on my cards, as I recently "unpressed" some very interesting leaves from my garden, and I think the combination of the leaves/flowers will be beautiful. The artwork helps me focus, as does the music I listen to, and last night I made a new playlist, "Late Night Music." I wear headphones, loud. I figure I am hearing impaired already so it does not matter if I turn the volume up, because this too helps me cope. Barbara Streisand is especially comforting, as is Carole King.

In any event, there are times I wish I were wired to sit still and just be in the moment, but I suppose my art fulfills that need. I feel so sad for my sister and my niece's family. In many ways I am glad that I do not have a relationship with any of my nieces or nephews, four kids total. I am not sure I would know how to comfort my niece because what happened really hit home with me because of the passion I have about certain things. I am unable to extend any empathy for my niece, presently, because what she did was especially shocking, bordering on criminal. Enough said.

If my sister wants to talk about this event later, I will listen and withhold any judgment I may have toward her daughter, as I know my sister alone is suffering enough. I actually thought this morning that it is probably better that her husband has dementia, because if he were able to grasp the nature of the situation, he too would be outraged.

Again, thank you for your kind and comforting words. I am exhausted, and hope to get some sleep this afternoon, even if that means not going over to my friend's place this evening. I think this may be one of those nights I stay home, as I really do need a break.