Today I tell my lawye to tell my brothr's lawyer that they can put the house, my home, up for sale to pay off the reverse mortgage as I do not have the resorces to do it, let alone half of it. This never should have happened. Both my son and I are devistated but trying to be optimistic about the future. Lessons have been taught and we can hold our heads high and just lower them when I realise what a fool I was to trust my money hungry brother. He has a big house, his wife doesn't have to work, his daughter has a 4 year scholorship to college as long as it's in the state and her family is well off. My brother's wife's parents died and when her dad died last year guess what???Her sister who took care of him is staying in the house and the family chips in to pay taxes! When it came to me and my son forget it. I am keeping my eyes on the future and told my son we will take some of the money and take a much needed vacation that we have not been able to do while caregiving. Datona in Feb would be a dream for him and hey I love the ocean! TO the FUTURE!!

Good for you, Mar. Despite one's knee-jerk reactions, there are always larger issues that need to be addressed. Sounds like you not only have a plan, you have GREAT plans and that's what life is all about! Grab a double fistful of all the good stuff. Your attorney sounds wise and I hope that you prevail. It never pays to hold onto "stuff" that doesn't really matter. I admire your temerity and focus on your goals! You are keeping your eye on the prize and not allowing the BS to slow you down. Good for you, dear!

The wheels are in motion and I already have a home to rent. For those of you who have been here awhile my dear little Anna,the girl with downs syndrom mom is getting married and moving down central Jersey. Her mom is going to rent the house to me. It's a small cape 2 bedroom and it's going to be there from July on. I even know the neighbors as it's some former students and the dentist I go to his secretary lives right next door. Our plan is 1 or 2 years there and then down the Jersey shore to my "family' there. They can't wait for us to get there and just wish it was now. Me too but Dan's got to move up in his company and I want to stay where I am for now and get ahead money wise. Pay off all the old bills too. I am going after my brother legaly to see where the money went. My lawyer is playing nice and letting him think this is it and letting him get comfortable. Then we attack him and have him show proff of everything. He has till June 1st to let me know if he wants anything out of the house and what. I don't think he will because he will not come around here at all. I'm getting a group of friends and we are going to have a big garage sale and I plan to throw a BIG PARTY before we leave. A thank you for all who have supported me. Dan's friends can come too. Then when we are in the house I plan to have people come for dinners and really get out there again. Well better get ready for the rug rats. It's going up to 85 today here!! Don't get me wrong I still get angry at all of this but my mom was taken care of and that I would not have changed.

I'm so sorry, Mar.

Has your attorney been able to discover what evil brother did with the money?

Dammitalltohellandback, Mar! It seems like there is SOMETHING you could do... That no-count, low-life, weasel (and here comes PETA after me for insulting fur bearing animals again) should have to reimburse your mom's estate for the money HE misappropriated. I would insist on a complete accounting before I put up a For Sale sign.

Have you TOLD the SOB what he has done to you? Have you TOLD his wifey? If not, please TELL them and tell 'em good!!

Sometimes you have to lie down, but ya ain't gotta be quiet about it! I think I would make the reptile EVICT me!! And I'd call the newspapers and TV stations so they could film the sheriff carrying me out!!!

To the FUTUE, Mar. You sure are right about a much needed and deserved vacation.