in reply to @merpreb Thank you so much. I have been listening to Carole King since I woke up, and that song of hers "Goin' Back" played, and as I listened to the lyrics, I went back to my laptop and restarted the song. Perhaps you are familiar with the song. The lyrics caused me to think about what I may say to Joyce's siblings now that I feel like a new person on a new mission. By the way, I just ordered Ms. King's autobiography and am looking forward to reading it.

I have been ironing for my sister because it is relaxing, and I am thinking about how to approach Joyce's sister, and what a difficult task this feels like, especially since I have been so close to Joyce for so many years, and now I am in a position of calling her siblings and telling them that their sister needs some help; this is not something I ever in my wildest dreams would have imagined doing, let alone for my best friend. I thought perhaps I would suggest a conference call with her brother as well, so that the three of us could discuss the ramifications of Joyce's current state of health and what she may need going forward. These siblings are familiar with the woman who I suspect is taking advantage of Joyce, and I am debating whether or not to address these concerns as well, They know that this person took Joyce to the cleaners years ago, thus the reason for the demise of their romantic relationship. I certainly do not want to cast any judgment upon anyone, but in all honesty it is difficult to separate everything into pieces. For example, every time I go over to Joyce's lately and comment on something beautiful in her apartment, just for the sake of conversation, and Joyce says: " so and so has "dibs" on that." Naturally I am astonished, but I suppose I should not be surprised. There is also the issue of the POA who is acting in "name" only. I have copied this person on all of my correspondence to the doctor and the bank, expressing all of my concerns, yet she continues to sit back and do nothing. As I was ironing, I thought to myself, "I feel physically sick over this and if I don't take care of this soon, I am going to get really sick." I am not being dramatic. I truly have a chronic and debilitating illness, have lost 7 pounds in the past week, and have zero appetite. Naturally, this is of concern to me. My labs today will tell me whether or not I need more iron infusions, I am exhausted and already thinking to myself how am I going to go over to Joyce's when I get home later this afternoon in order to take care of her needs. I have a lot on my plate currently, including a notice from the State about some tax lien that I have no clue about and need to contact them by the 12th so they do not take the money out of my bank account. I am sorry, I got off the point because my brain is in a tailspin.

I will introduce myself, I will explain what I have been doing for Joyce and I will describe the nature of her current condition. Just listening to her read the description of this past Sunday's 60 Minutes episode was heartbreaking enough. I think I mentioned I felt as though I were sitting next to a 4 year old learning to read. Joyce is an author, and has been a member of the California Writers Group for years, including the President of the same organization. I am afraid I will get upset, naturally. However, I do know that Joyce's siblings are very religious, and while I am not, I know what words to use in an effort to gain their confidence and reassure them that I have no ulterior motives at all in terms of Joyce. She handed me a $50 bill yesterday for my birthday and I tried to give it back to her. She insisted I keep it so I did. It is hidden away for some later date when I really want it.

I think that once I get the words I need out of my mouth, her siblings will "get it." THEN, I have to be prepared for the "fall out" if they decide to drive down here to see her. Joyce will be VERY UPSET and will want to know how they found out or why they are visiting. While all of this feels difficult, I am up to the task. I have to be. After all, no one else has the courage to do so, and I do. I am doing this out of great compassion, concern and humanity. It is the right thing to do, and God willing, I will do it the very best that I can no matter how difficult it may be. And in all honesty, I cannot think of anything in my life that feels so tasking, presently.

I am so grateful to all of you who are helping me navigate this journey without a map or compass. If not for all of you, I probably would have been in a free fall by now, seriously