MichaelS36

No fuzzy ones in my collection.

I never used my weapon while I was a serving officer. Now, of course I don't have one. So, I don't think you need to be too concerned about me.

Once a detective, always a detective. I keep notes. All of them.

I do have your home address still @Wayne Gray

Well. What to say about this. It's pretty much true. Next flight leaves at 6:30 and gets into your part of the world at 2:36pm local time. See you then. Lordy.

Is that what's for dessert? you're a good boy. LOL...

No, boy, I don't. LOL. But I thought I'd give you the benefit of the doubt.

Your final sentences are exactly right. tim could win a Pulitzer and then wonder if he was good enough the next week.

Missed this one back in the day! LOL

This seems to speak for many. Well done.

Yeah, I have to admit it. I've always loved vegetables with meat, but I have to admit I'm happy to try some non-meat meals.

Amen, my friend. Amen.

Your son was hurt by family. I think that's the worst. It's natural to want to say something but we shouldn't unless we are asked. tim's things happened over a number of years, first with his father, then Jeff and then the men who nearly killed him. tim repeats things, because there is no answer, there's no escape. And then he'll say nothing for months until something triggers a memory. The article he's talked about today here and the whole case has brought up memories for him, and I'm sure many others. The law says we will charge the assailants, so the victim doesn't have a choice. EM had no choice, her mother called the police, the police looked into it and charged the five players. In this case it was the wrong thing to do for EM and the five players. Should you have called the police? Would your son have been better off? I don't know, I don't think so. Should the culprit be in jail? In my opinion, yes, he should be. But would that matter to your son, I can't answer that for him. He may want to look into what the law can do for him at a future time. I just hope he can find his way to peace and a good life.

In a word, yes. But we're talking about victims of abuse and the type of care they need. It's a more than simply mattering, they need to be heard and not be judged or dragged unwillingly through the courts just to be told the men who raped them or nearly killed them, like they did tim, are going free. tim's assailants were never caught, but he still relives that even with all the therapy...it doesn't just go away. It becomes easier, but there are still times he needs someone to hear him. Generally, people don't want to listen to these horrible stories. I don't blame them. Sorry, I'm not trying to dismiss your thoughts because you're right we all want to be heard. I think the group here does a good job with that. Sadly, it's our own families who often don't. I know you have been there for tim and me and we're both grateful for that. I hope you know that should you need me, you can pm me anytime.

The whole junior hockey thing has been a mess. I've read a lot about it. I'm a big man. I am well aware of how effective my size can be. I'm well aware of how frightening I can be. I used this often when I had to. I can imagine how frightened this young woman would have been surrounded by five guys like me. They were not friends to her, she didn't know them really. A lot was wrong here. Did they rape her, no, I don't think so. Was she so afraid she tried to keep them 'on side' by offering herself up. Yes. Did these guys think that was what was happening? No, I don't think so. They were drunk, hot, horny young men, they thought she was okay with it. Should this have gone to court? No way in hell. All it did was ruin lives. Should this have been handled differently, yes. The young woman did not want this in court. No one on the legal side cared. As Mr. Bumble said in Oliver Twist, ...If the law supposes that, the law is an ass. I feel sorry for her, aka E.M. and also the men who were boys at the time. I feel sorry for victims like her, like my husband and so many more. The courts don't do too good of a job with this kind of thing. It's really not the 'help' the victims need. The author's story was so touching. Those two 13 year old boys really stepped up and listened. Beautiful. Listening, being present is what victims really want. Just to be heard and cared for.

I suppose we shouldn't be surprised about what governments do. They are only happy if they are holding people down by the neck. The fact that they say they care about people is laughable. Slave away until you die, there are always more of you. It's sad. All the best with the appeal. And thanks to all at your organization. It's good to know some do care.

you'll live ... there's always double donut Friday.

Haha, you're back, my girl. Thanks for the laughs!

Excellent bread. That's all I can say.

Can we have the dining room table back soon?

I'm not disappointed that you ended this like you did. It was an excellent story with a sound epilogue. The men deserved this ending. Men like soldiers or police who work together closely do form close bonds, loving ones but these we cannot really admit or demonstrate in our 'normal' world. Perhaps we can have this in our smaller family groups. I think we sort of do in our small family of three. In any case, Wayne, congratulations on this wonderful story.

No, you shouldn't. However, your advice regarding lists and getting through the day, now with the challenge of insomnia on top everything else, is sound. I'm glad you're listening and doing what is best for you. @mollyhousemouse I hope you are able to do the same. Your best can vary from one day to the next, don't pressure yourself to meet lofty goals. And know that sometimes, getting out of bed can be a lofty goal.

Mmm, indeed.

Very few adult males are innocent, I would think. That's just my opinion, of course.