in reply to @tsc Thank you. I have notified her doctor and her bank to alert them to Joyce's cognitive decline etc., and I copied her POA on both letters. The doctor's office left me a message today suggesting that I arrange a video visit for my friend, which I will do in the near future. It will not be easy, but I am determined to do my due diligence before I start walking backwards. I saw her this evening, having stayed home yesterday for the first time since my dog died in March 2022. I can't even describe how much better I felt, although I probably cried enough tears to fill a small lake, and cried again when I came home this evening. See, my birthday is coming up, Carole King was singing that Happy Birthday song on YouTube, and I was remembering what it felt like in the past to spend my birthday with my best friend, who no longer remembers the rich and loving friendship we have shared over the past ten plus years.
Having said this, I know I have made the right decision to step back, especially while her toxic friend tries to take over. It is very clear that this woman is doing everything in her power to come between us, and while I am not a quitter by nature, I don't want to use up what 02 I have left in an effort to make things "right." I am so sorry.