****Ditto!!!******

I agree Bubba.

Well we went out to his friends yesterday to encrypt his wireless dsl. This guy has had his license back for a couple of months now when he lost them for DUI. Right under his computer desk was half a case of beer and a 30 gallon garbage bag full of empty crushed beer cans was behind his chair. He went to the kitchen and I told Jon about it and he just shook his head. Then a few minutes later his Dad comes by and leans over and tells Jon how proud he is of his son and that he hasnt drank in months. I didnt say a word and Jon looks at me and goes ..show him. So I pulled the half case out from under the desk where I was working and showed him the huge bag of empty cans. There were also about 10 collapsed empty case cartons under there.
You could read several expressions flash across his Dad's face. Shock, disappointment, worry, embarassment cause he had fooled him again and a little anger. It wont be long before he is right back behind the wheel again at this rate.

So sad, janie... My heart really goes out.

I think I've shared w/ you all in the past my family's struggle w/ my brother. Craig's been a troubled soul and a low-achiever all his life. Was a scrawny kid. Hit puberty- got huge, worked-out, excelled at sports and got mean- also developed a huge chip on his shoulder. Always angry and loud. What a dangerous combo! Anyway- got kicked out of the Army. Was homeless bouncing around from job-to-job. Never paid rent or a bill in his life. Mean to the women he was with. Served 3 years at the Iowa State Penitentiary. Then 7 years. Got out last Sept. Called constantly for money. Got kicked out of shelters and missions. Stopped calling. We knew this was a sign that he was likely locked-up again. We searched for weeks online for any indication or news. Finally found the post at this link:

Polk County Arrest & Jail Information

My brother- we're SO PROUD. (UGH!)

Truth is- I really feel for Craig. I love him, but I don't like him. He's not nice. He's troubled- and much contributes to this- it's not all his fault. You know my Mom's history of mental illness- and that likely plays a part in it for Craig, too. But it IS his responsbility to OWN it and CHANGE it. As his family we've tried everything. But the bottom line is, we wish for him a better life than he seems to want for himself. He feels the world OWES him.

He never shared w/ us the things he did to get locked-up the first 2 times. But as the posting at the link above shares, he's got 3 serious charges against him this time, and the jailer Dad spoke w/ claims he could get 60 years this time. My most positive thought about my brother's current situation is, at least now he can't hurt anyone innocent. If he commits violence against someone in prison, at least the liklihood that's it's an innocent person is low. AND at least in prison, he's likely having all his most basic needs met- like food, a roof over his head, and a shirt on his back. I know it's a mere existance, but on the outside I don't think he stands a chance. I wish far better for him- I only wish he did too.

Anyway- I try to live with that wise, charitable attitude: "There but for the grace of God go I." But it's hard... I always maintain contact w/ him when he's locked-up, 'cause I know it's important to have some sort of positive connection to someone. But sadly, everytime he gets out, he stops all manner of attempting to remain in touch. I'll write him again this time too, after his trial- which, surely he'll be found guilty. But if he's sent up the river for 60 years, the tone of my letters will definitely be different than the last times. Before I was always like "Well, look on the bright side- you'll be out in just 12 more months..." But this time? Lordy! Oh well...

CHOICES. They're a GREAT thing, and an AWFUL thing. Thanks for letting me share, dear friends! (Didn't mean to hi-jack your thread, janie, dear! )

I remember when you told me he had gotten out but I didn't know he was in trouble again. I'm so sorry Hon.
My oldest brother is on the run right now. He has warrants issued for him in Grayson and several other couties. Last I heard he was hiding out in a motel just over the bridge on the Ohio side. I stopped having anything to do with him ages ago but my other brother still does. He is a manipulative waste of space. He isnt a violent offender. He is a chronic bad check writer. Has been since he was 17. Now he is in hid late 40's.

You should have heard Jon's friend lecturing me on using healty ingredients cause your body is what you put into it lol. I was like uh ..yeah your liquid diet is real good for your body.