[KathyM]

My vision is bad. I only have a pinhole of acuity - the rest is a kaleidoscope of activity. My sense of balance and direction is also severely limited due to the amyloidosis. My dog is huge, at 151 lbs, and old - her legs are bad. She will only get up after a long time of coaxing, and will only listen to our command.

What would happen if a jackass or two thought it would be funny to throw a flaming brick or molotov cocktail through my window? My home would burn down with us inside. There would be no way for me to find my way, and it would be impossible for anyone to coax my dog out of the house. In frightening situations, she runs to me.

If this were to happen - what should their punishment be, regardless of their age? How should my husband and son respond to such news?

[Ygrec23]

Originally Posted by KathyM

My vision is bad. I only have a pinhole of acuity - the rest is a kaleidoscope of activity. My sense of balance and direction is also severely limited due to the amyloidosis. My dog is huge, at 151 lbs, and old - her legs are bad. She will only get up after a long time of coaxing, and will only listen to our command.

What would happen if a jackass or two thought it would be funny to throw a flaming brick or molotov cocktail through my window? My home would burn down with us inside. There would be no way for me to find my way, and it would be impossible for anyone to coax my dog out of the house. In frightening situations, she runs to me.

If this were to happen - what should their punishment be, regardless of their age? How should my husband and son respond to such news?

Are you okay, Kathy? Is there any REAL danger of a "jackass" throwing a "flaming brick" ("?") or a molotov cocktail through your window? Are your husband and your son there with you? Have you talked to them about this? Has it happened to anyone else in your neighborhood? Have you provoked someone? Your original message, as it stands, is difficult to understand. What kind of help would you like us to provide? You know we're always happy to help, but there's a limit to what we can do.

Take care!

[lonegael]

Kathy, does this have something to do with some of the sickos you mentioned on another thread being glad you were so ill? If your husband can't be with you, or your son can't, is there somewhere you and the pup can stay, or someone who can stay with you, so that you aren't so vulnerable? Be safe, hon. I'm worried...

[KathyM]

It's a hypothetical question. I'm wondering what the punishment should be and how my family should respond in the event of such a tragedy. I tend to worry a lot, but my fears are justified.

I grew up here, in this house, but we are the target of racists. My husband with Mexican heritage, my son with black heritage, and I am labeled a "race traitor." It's been this way ever since I moved back to this house after my parents died in the early 90s. We had direct threats by skinhead groups back then. People (adults and children) have thrown things at us, called us names, and threatened us. A little boy saw me struggling to get off some bleachers, so he thought it would be funny to push me. Everyone laughed when I stumbled, including his parents. cd

The tension has increased around here, as it has everywhere. Both children and adults have become desensitized to violence, and many believe it's okay to act on their rage. They like "shock and awe" adventure. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if an adult or kid decided to pull a "prank" on us - either on a dare or to score some imaginary points for themselves.

I'm aware of the laws, but what do YOU think their punishment should be? How should my husband and son respond, in the event they were not home at the time? Again, just hypothetical.

[lynn P.]

All I can say is, I pray this would never happen to you and your family. If it did happen I would hope they would get life in prison. I 'm sure your family would be devastated and I would certainly miss you.

I wanted to ask you - have you considered getting a guide dog, who could lead you around and also help you in times of need?? You surely qualify for one.

[Perna]

I'm glad your dog comes to you; my cats run away and no one can get them, no matter what, not even me.

[KathyM]

Hi Lynn

The orthostatic hypotension makes it difficult to stand for more than a few minutes. My blood pressure drops, I get sick to my stomach, and I faint. It has progressed, though, so it happens to me even when I'm sitting down - so being out in a wheelchair wouldn't help. When I'm sitting and feel my pressure drop, the only solution is to lie flat until my BP comes back up and I fully recover. It could take a few minutes, it could take a few hours. If I needed help, a guide dog wouldn't be able to explain my circumstances to strangers.

If you're talking about in my home, I'm thankful I live in a tiny house without any stairs. I grew up in this house, so I know it like the back of my hand - though sometimes I'll lose my place in time. I'll sometimes look for things in places where we used to keep them when I was a kid - or look for something that is no longer there.

[notz]

What matters most to me Kathy, is that you're okay. I'm certain your son and husband will always do what honors you. They love you.

The sweet old dog loves you! Always will. She gives you all she's got. She always has.

Lynn's right, perhaps it's time for a service dog. New love for your heart and the help you need.

[KathyM]

Aw, thanks, Notz - but one dog in the house is enough. Geneva is very jealous and very needy. I don't have the physical or mental ability to take on a new dog for myself - the amyloidosis effects/damages the brain too. If we get another dog after Geneva, it will belong either to my husband or son. I rarely leave my home anyway. When I do, it's either with my husband or son. They understand my illness and know how to guide me around.

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Kathy,

I'm glad it's only a hypotheical question, I got really anxious for you as I read it.

I'm not sure what it would be called as a crime but thered be 3 or 4 charges at least in there.

But if you live in the US I don't know the sentences or how they apply them.

But I really truly hope you never need to find out

[lonegael]

Warning! Strong emotional content!!!

Kathy, if you were my mother or partner, I know I would WANT to hunt the b#¤%&s down and flay them alive. For starters. I know that this would be the response of my husband and my cousins. HOWEVER...

If it were me, I have to ask my husband and son, the oldest, to not jeopardize their reputations or their relationship to God to go after immedate revenge. 1st, my youngest son needs them. 2nd, resorting to revenge act will play into these people's hands and confirm their view of us (there are people here who hate us for my nationality and for my mother in law's - she's Finnish). You see, even if they start it, they will always see their actions as righteous no matter how unprovoked and vicious and ours as animalistic even if we take them on with lawyer and chruch and state.. That is the only way they can see the world, and to play by their rules only risks convincing others that they, in fact, were right.

Be safe, dear Kathy. I honestly pray that you and yours are spared this event. If not, instinct is not always wise. I know mine is not. I pray for strength for you, your beautiful son and your courageous husband living in a world with so much misaimed rage and hatred. May our support and combined well wishes stand as a shield between them and your family.
HUGGGGSSS and end of sermon!

[KathyM]

Thank you ((Lonegael)) My mom was Finnish, from the Southeastern region.

I was thinking about the ripple effect it would cause. One simple prank, one moment in time, fueled by hatred.

I know how my husband and son feel about me, and I know they would go after them. If they found them before the police found them, Lord have mercy on them. I don't think my husband and son would care about their relationship with anyone else at that time. My husband and I have been together a long time, and we are each other's life - God might understand. I have a few friends that would be compelled to hunt them down as well. I wouldn't want to put them in a position to have to do that.

If that were to happen, it would never end. The friends and family of the perpetrators would suffer just as much heartache. One moment of "fun" rippling into a life-time of heartache. Is that really what they were going for in life? Who the heck sets their goal in life on personal heartache?

As for me, I think I would dole out my own punishment to them from the other side - - .

[notz]

(((((((Kathy))))))))

[Rhiannonsmoon]

I don't mean to be rude or nosy here but something has obviously happened that I've missed. Has someone attacked you Kathy?

[KathyM]

Originally Posted by Rhiannonsmoon

I don't mean to be rude or nosy here but something has obviously happened that I've missed. Has someone attacked you Kathy?

No, but I do feel threatened by strangers when we are out together. I see how my husband and son are treated on the streets. When we are out on the front lawn together, they will sometimes throw garbage at us and call us derogatory names as they pass by in a car or on a bike - young and old alike. It happens on a fairly regular basis, enough to keep me on guard - at home or wherever we go. It wouldn't surprise me if someone decided to take it a step further.

It bothers me to have to continually be on guard due to the stupidity of others.