AbuseAtHome

Have you recently made the important decision to leave an abusive partner? This wise step can seem like a giant leap into the unknown. Besides the emotional aspects of leaving a bad relationship, there are also safety considerations. You don't know how your partner will react, and there is a chance leaving will put you in harm's way, making this step a bit scary. It is important to take the necessary steps to protect your safety, both before and after you leave the relationship, as you develop a plan for starting your new life. At Work - Let the security staff in your building know about the situation. Provide a picture of your abuser so that they can keep him out of the office. You may also want to...

you recently made the important decision to leave an abusive partner? This wise step can seem like a giant leap into the unknown. Besides the emotional aspects of leaving a bad relationship, there are also safety considerations. You don't know how your partner will react, and there is a chance leaving will put you in harm's way, making this step a bit scary. It is important to take the necessary steps to protect your safety, both before and after you leave the relationship, as you develop a plan for starting your new life. At Work - Let the security staff in your building know about the situation. Provide a picture of your abuser so that they can keep him out of the office. You may also want to let...

When we think of abuse in marriage, everyone assumes that it is the husband who is abusing the wife. This assumption happens whether the abuse is emotional or physical. Yes, "Abused Men" are more common than you might think: there are many marriages where the wife abuses and demeans her husband. In much the same way that women suffer abuse at the hands of men and they keep going back to him because their self-esteem is destroyed, so it is that men stay in abusive relationships. In our articles we've been talking about men being at a disadvantage in divorce court. This is an even bigger problem if the wife has been abusive. The man is both shamed and emasculated. He will have problems talking with a...

Getting yourself out of an emotionally or psychologically abusive relationship is difficult, but when there is a marriage involved, the steps become more complicated. Emotionally, you have your own possible ambivalence to contend with, as well as the continuing programming and influence of your abuser to deal with. However, if you are feeling increasingly inferior, incompetent, or even crazy around your partner, leaving may be the best option to preserve your emotional and mental well being. Of course, if you feel there is any chance that the emotional abuse may turn into physical, please contact a counselor who specializes in domestic violence issues, or a domestic violence shelter to construct a...

Making the choice to divorce is a very difficult one. The potential changes are enormous - living arrangements, finances, relationships with mutual family and friends, and your vision of your life undergo big changes. Of course, if there are children involved, this can be the biggest consideration of all. Many people hesitate at the thought of putting their children through the process of divorce - yet there are some situations that can be so destructive and damaging that staying in the marriage might do more harm to the kids than leaving. Here are 3 scenarios where it may be best for both the kids, as well as yourself, to consider leaving the destructive situation: 1. Abuse. If you are...

Getting out an emotionally abusive relationship is challenging to begin with, but when you add in all the additional practical considerations of a divorce process, it is all the more daunting. It is likely that as a result of the emotional and psychological abuse, you feel inferior, weak, incompetent, or even crazy. This can make it feel like you will be unable to navigate the process. Your abuser will likely get worse behavior-wise during this time, so expect that the programming he or she is attempting to put on you will intensify in an attempt to control you, get you back, or possibly minimize the costs to him or her. Naturally, if you have any concern that the emotional abuse could become...

Relationships require work and commitment on the part of both involved for success. If both partners are reasonably balanced, healthy, and mutually respectful, the effort can pay off in a relationship that is fulfilling, supportive, and happy. However, there are some behaviors and circumstances that can render a relationship utterly destructive and toxic to one or both parties. Here are 3 strong signs that ending the relationship may be the wise move: 1. There is any kind of abuse in the relationship. This may be physical abuse, which is extremely dangerous and often gets worse and more serious over time. If this is present in your relationship, be sure to contact a domestic violence shelter...

Divorce is never a decision to be taken lightly. It is a difficult road to go down, particularly if there are children involved. There are changes in living arrangements, loss of ideals, relationships with mutual friends and family members, time and access to children, and financial adjustments to deal with. However, there are situations and instances in which the behavior of one or both spouses is so destructive that it might be the wisest move to leave to preserve your own emotional and physical well being. Here are 3 signs that the marriage might be unsalvageable: 1. Abuse occurs in the marriage. Physical abuse is a very dangerous factor in any relationship. If this is occurring, please...

Most people go into a relationship hoping for an ideal, where both partners are mutually loving, supportive, and respectful of the other. When both people are emotionally balanced and put forth effort, communicate effectively, and love one another, this outcome is certainly possible. However, sometimes one or both partners come in to the relationship with issues that cause damage and destruction to the other partner and the relationship itself. Here are 3 signs your relationship is toxic: 1. Abuse is occurring in the relationship. Physical abuse is damaging and dangerous, and generally escalates over time. If this is occurring in your relationship, please seek the help of a domestic violence...

A good relationship is one in which both partners sense love, support, and respect from the other. In a balanced relationship dynamic, neither attempts to control or dominate the other person, nor does one partner's dysfunction dominate the relationship to the point where the other partner is constantly giving of him or herself disproportionately - at least without some kind of support and love in return. Unfortunately, there are too many toxic relationships where one partner does the suffering and the other does the exploiting, or where both partners are unhappy. Here are 3 signs that the relationship may be beyond saving: 1. There are any kind of abuse occurring. Physical or emotional, abuse...

Most people are aware that a relationship takes work and effort on behalf of both parties to find success. Most of the time, if both parties make the commitment and take the time and energy to invest into the relationship, and they are reasonably well balanced and healthy individuals, the relationship can be a mutually supportive and fulfilling one. However, if one partner is engaging in seriously destructive behaviors, little effort can mask the damage that is done. Here are 3 behaviors that send the relationship into toxic mode very quickly: 1. Abuse of any kind in the relationship. If there is any physical abuse or threat of it, please contact a domestic violence shelter or a counselor that...

Divorce is never an easy option to consider. You have a shared history, a common living arrangement, mutual friends and family, shared finances, and the children of the marriage to consider. However, there are instances where the marriage may be so destructive and damaging that staying in the marriage is exceedingly damaging and divorce may be a valid consideration. If these patterns of behavior are occurring and your partner is unwilling to address them, enough may be enough. Here are 4 signs that the marriage may be beyond saving: 1. You are abused in the relationship. Obviously, physical abuse is extremely dangerous. It often escalates over time. If you are experiencing physical abuse or...

Relationships require effort and commitment on the part of both partners to succeed. If both partners are emotionally healthy and balanced, this work goes far in ensuring a mutually fulfilling, supportive relationship. However, there are some relationships in which one or both partners are not balanced or healthy, and in which there is a very unhealthy dynamic. If the relationship becomes emotionally damaging and costly, it can turn toxic. Here are 3 signs that your relationship has reached the point of toxicity: 1. There is any kind of abuse in the relationship. Physical abuse often escalates over time and is extremely dangerous. Please contact a domestic violence shelter or counselor who...

Relationships require work, commitment, and mutual respect to be successful. If both partners are reasonably well adjusted and invested in one another, the chances of a long and happy union are greatly increased. Unfortunately there are some relationships with unbalanced relationship dynamics due to personal issues and destructive tendencies, and these relationships can become toxic to one or both partners. If one partner is being negatively impacted and damaged due to the other partner's behavior, it is common for the victimized partner to take a hot self esteem wise and even question his or her worth entirely. Here are 3 signs that your relationship might be a toxic one: 1. There is abuse...

p>Serious relationships are hard work and require dedication, commitment, communication, respect, and mutual trust to be happy and fulfilling for both parties. When both partners behave in ways that are consistent with the principles of a healthy relationship, great satisfaction is possible. However, there are instances where behaviors on the part of one or both partners are so destructive and defiant that there is little room for a healthy dynamic to exist between the partners, and this can cause the relationship to become toxic to one or both parties. Here are 4 signs that the relationship might be toxic and not worth the effort of staying: 1. Abuse is a part of the relationship. Whether...

The decision to divorce is not an easy one and should not be taken lightly. Especially if there are children involved, the long term impact can be significant on everyone involved. No one goes into a marriage honestly expecting it to fail, but sadly over half do. Many divorces can be prevented through effort and improved communication between partners - however, there are some situations that can prove so destructive that leaving the situation might be the best and healthiest option. Here are 3 signs that the marriage may be too damaging to one or both parties to preserve: 1. Abuse. If you are being abused in any way, this is very damaging to your self esteem and feelings of self worth. It can...

The concept of a toxic relationship is becoming more widely discussed and accepted. There are some relationships that have a draining and negative aspect that seems built in to the structure of the dynamic between the partners. Sometimes, there are individual pathologies or issues that drive toxic behavior - sometimes it is magnified in certain combinations between two people. There several signs that your relationship has hit a toxic level. Here are 3 signs that your relationship is toxic: 1. There is abuse of any kind in the relationship. This may be physical and/or emotional. If you are experiencing physical abuse, or fear it could happen, please contact a domestic violence shelter, or find a...

Divorce is never an easy decision to make. There is a shared history, living arrangements, finances, mutual friends and family members, and of course the children to consider. However, there are instances where the damage and cost of staying in a marriage may be higher than the damage that will occur by leaving it. In these situations, ultimately saving yourself may a better option than trying to maintain a marriage that is harmful to you. Here are 4 signs the marriage may be better off ending. 1. There is abuse in the relationship. If there is physical abuse occurring, please consult with a domestic violence shelter or a counselor who specializes in this issue. You need professional advice to...

Finding happiness in an unhappy marriage requires that we first understand the nature and priorities of our marriage. We must then grasp the definition and true understanding of marriage, and finally determine to seek out the keys to happiness and fulfillment. Let's take each step in turn. 1. What is the Nature of Marriage? According to the Bible, marriage is an institution ordained by God. It is the union between one man and one woman, and it is to be for life. Such an institution requires love, commitment, and patience. Further, the prophet Malachi makes clear that God "hates divorce" (Malachi 2:16). Clearly, God is for marriage and against divorce. This speaks to the nature of marriage. It is a...

Women cry, men express anger. If you can believe this, men are just as afraid of your tears as you are of his anger. Based on my years of experience working with couples, I believe that tears and anger are often expressed for the same reasons. If you are in a domestic violence situation, get help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 1.800.787.3224 (TTY). I am not addressing battered women in this article. I am addressing women who feel safe in their relationships, but who have a hard time understanding their men's occasional angry outbursts. A man's emotional state can be very fragile. Because your happiness is very important to him, when you're in conflict, he...

Most people go into relationships hoping for a union that will be mutually loving, caring, and fulfilling. For two emotionally balanced people who have respect, commitment, and communication with one another, this is a reasonable result. However, there are situations where one or both parties have personal issues or problems that cause destruction in the relationship, and cause it to become toxic. Here are 3 signs that the problems run so deep it may be time to consider ending the relationship: 1. Your partner is abusive toward you in any way. This includes physical abuse, which is very dangerous. If this is occurring, get help from a domestic violence shelter or counselor who specializes in...

PHEONIX -- Last week, the media reported that conservative state lawmakers in West Virginia were pushing new legislation to deny spousal support to divorcing spouses who'd committed infidelity. Now, Arizona Family Law has jumped on the bandwagon too. Republican state senator Linda Gray wants cheating and adultery to qualify as "misconduct" in a divorce. The proposed legislation SB1206,if passed, would allow evidence of "misconduct" that could potentiallyaffect issues such as property division, child support, and spousalsupport (known in the state as "spousal maintenance"). The law wouldn't stop judges from granting divorces in any way, as long as the marriages are considered "irretrievably broken...

Shame is part and parcel to any experience that you indulge or endure, wherein you think others would think less of you if they only knew. It's the pervasive feeling for battered men in abusive relationships. It's the feeling underlying the thought: - If your business associates knew what you put up with at home... - If your friends knew how your wife emasculates you... -If your neighbors understood what happens behind your closed doors... Here you are weighing in at 50 to 100 pounds more than this "frail" woman whom you are financially supporting. You are probably 4 to 12 inches taller than she. You may even be more educated and the only one in the family holding down a "real" job. Yet, when you...

When I became a family law attorney/mediator after a dozen years as a therapist, one of the biggest surprises was the extent of lying in Family Court: lies about income, assets and even complete fabrications of child abuse and domestic violence. Why would people lie so much, I wondered? How did they get away with it? The following is my psychosocial analysis of what I believe has become an epidemic: Men lie: It was a sad phone call from a relatively new client. He informed me his father had just died. He had quit his job and was moving back east to wrap up his father's affairs. He asked me to tell his wife's attorney that he would not be able to pay child support for their three young children for a...

It is potentially hard to find any home where there is no fighting. Usually, it is the aggression within families that has led to different forms of depression. When we dwell in the depth of its reasons, they are mostly insignificant. The domestic abuse attorney or the domestic violence attorney hears the same stories everyday that results from this disturbance. Even after the problems of such people are solved, they still need mental relaxation. For that reason, a growing practice is that of acupuncture. Though modern science is not yet able to understand why exactly acupuncture works, it has been proven to have significant healing effects. Once the acupuncture needles are applied on the body...

There are plenty of people who move from one section of the country to another. They may do it because of their job, their family, school, or because they are in need of a change of pace. Some are moving toward something: a new romance, new opportunity, or a future bright with possibilities. Others are running from something that was not an idea situation: a failed marriage, controlling parents, or a job they hated. If you were in a dangerously troubled marriage and you lived in Nevada, your first move should be to contact a domestic abuse attorney. A domestic violence attorney will help you sort out your situation and help you prepare for your move away from this unpleasant and dangerous situation...

Surely, it is not easy for any parent to take care of a group of children with a wide age gap. With a greater age gap, there are more chances of one bullying the other. This may not seem like a very good reason to hire a domestic abuse lawyer or domestic violence lawyer, but at times things get really aggravated. The situation can get more challenging for a caretaker in some day care center. To cater the kids properly, you need to plan out some activities. When planning them just bear in mind that the activities of younger kids will differ from the older ones. If planned really well, the children will enjoy themselves and no one will feel left out or ignored. If you need some tips with your planning...

Domestic violence and domestic abuse is unbelievably spreading across our society. The more advanced and educated we are getting, the more abusive our behavior becomes against humanity and people around us. A statistical survey by a domestic abuse lawyer revealed some shocking numbers in this respect. The domestic violence lawyer states that: • Every one in four women is or has been a victim of this crime. • Across the country, at least one case of such violence is registered every minute. • On a weekly average, two of such victims are killed by their spouses. Shocking as it may sound; there are still a great number of cases which never even get registered. It is understandable that women are...

Most people have seen it on television. A couple decides to run away and marry as quickly as possible with as few people as possible being aware of it. These weddings often were over as quickly as they began. If you were lucky, it was a quick, painless annulment. In other cases, a domestic abuse lawyer would need to be called in and the marriage would end with great fanfare and drama. It may have been a cheap wedding but the marriage often cost those involved a great deal of money and pain. In some cases, a domestic violence lawyer may have been needed. Weddings in this Nevada town had a reputation for being fast and cheap. The marriages often came with the same reputation. Over the years, the town...

Marriages are falling apart in most parts of the world including America as well. Many people in the US have started to believe that they were better of before marriage. Separations and failed marriages are a result of problems that occur in the family. Such problems include blaming, torture, arguments, beating and disrespect for each other. When these issues arise, women are most likely to consult domestic abuse lawyer and domestic violence lawyer to help them solve their problem. Nowadays, the couples don't prefer to fix the problem among them, but are ready to let the problems destroy their marriage. One of the major causes of problems in marriage is stress and it can arise from financial issues...

Everyone will have heard of someone who {is having problems within|is experiencing some form of trouble within} a marriage. It gets a little more serious when, for example, a {family member hits another.|there is a violent spousal incident.} If this happens and the police are called, it is of utmost importance to contact a domestic abuse lawyer. Domestic violence lawyers will work to {make sure that sentences are kept as low as possible|mitigate any sentence} for the unfortunate person arrested in the home, but they have to work fast. It is much better, if a couple {have some differences|have some problems} within a relationship, for them to get counseling. Unfortunately, many people have fall outs...

In the beginning of the relationship, he is a gentleman. He holds the door open for you, kisses you gently, holds in stomach-spreading gas, holds your hand in public, sends you flowers, and makes attempts at poetry. For all practical purposes, he is the best thing since sliced bread. You are so impressed with him that you envision your wedding gown. You're probably thinking Annie Couture, Vera Wang, and Reem Acra, a minimum of 20 Bridesmaids, a Phantom Limo, and Chris Daughtry and John Legend to sing at the wedding and reception. Now, there's nothing wrong with dreaming. Don't get me wrong; there are some near-perfect relationships out there. If you're reading this, you're probably in the majority...

ORRINA TURNER vs. DENISE LEWIS. SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS June 15, 2001 Facts: The plaintiff in this case is the paternal grandmother of a ten year old child, whose parents were never married. The grandmother has custody of the child, and the child resides with her. The child's mother presently has visitation rights with the child, although she does not pay child support to the grandmother.  On September 2, 1999, the mother entered the grandmother's home and yelled for the child. The grandmother told her that the child was not at home. When the grandmother then attempted to descend the stairs, the mother blocked her, and punched and pushed her up against the wall, causing the...

Before we begin, I need to present a quick legal disclaimer. I am a Maryland family attorney, Virginia family attorney, and DC family attorney. Therefore, the information contained in this article is geared towards those jurisdictions. If you need help with a domestic violence case in any other state, I highly recommend seeing an attorney licensed to practice in that jurisdiction. It is also important to note that this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be used as legal advice. Now that we have the formalities out of the way, let's talk about domestic violence and, more specifically, about the protective order process. First, without domestic violence, there isn't a...

'Train up a child in the way he should grow and when he is old, he will not depart from it'. Children are blessings from God the creator. He gives them to us freely. But He put the responsibility of their training and upbringing into our hands. Their destiny lies with their parents. Proper parenting is an art that should be learnt and cultivated. Children minds are like plain sheet of paper, they are what we write on them. Proper parenting involves but not limited to: 1. Teaching: Showing the child what he does not know and explain to him what he does not understand. It is more than classroom work. Teaching start from the home when the child is born. He is taught to eat, bath, cleanup his...

Divorce is unfortunately very common in this day and age. Over 50% of marriages will ultimately end in divorce, and many of these unions produce children. It can be agonizing for a parent to consider the hurt a divorce may visit upon his or her children, but there are instances where in the long term, it will be better for everyone involved. There are circumstances when the decision to divorce can be likened to being on an airplane and needing to place your own oxygen mask on first before putting one on your child. Here are 3 reasons that divorce may ultimately prove the best option: 1. You are being abused. If there is any physical abuse occurring, you must consult with a counselor or domestic...

Marriage is hard work and requires effort and commitment, along with respect, from both partners to be successful. If the individuals in the marriage are emotionally balanced and relatively healthy, this effort can produce a union that is mutually fulfilling and supportive. However, there are some marriages where the actions of one of both partners is unhealthy and so destructive to the other partner and the relationship that it might be appropriate to consider ending it. Here are 4 signs that the marriage may be too toxic to be able to save: 1. Abuse is occurring. Whether it is physical or emotional/verbal, abuse is a very damaging experience in a marriage. If the abuse is physical, this is...

One of the most crippling life losses is the loss of a child to legal domestic abuse. Routinely, we are approached by women denied access to their children and grandchildren because of the whim of former abusive partners or family members. The pain they bear is beyond words. So, I won't pretend to suggest we can actually capture the depths of their despair in this article. But I will tell you some of what they say and of what I know firsthand. 1) At first, there is the utter disbelief. "How can this be?" they exclaim. 2) Often there is a vacillation between the denial and the waves of rage beyond anything ever experienced. 3) For many, it's a vacillation between disbelief and a sorrow so deep it...

Divorce is a very difficult choice. There are many factors to consider including your shared history, the impact on living arrangements, mutual friends and family members, finances, and of course the children of the union. The decision is not to be taken lightly, however there are some instances where conditions are so damaging that it may be a better option than staying and risking serious mental, emotional, or even physical harm. While everyone must make their own decision about how much to tolerate, here are 3 instances where the decision to end the marriage may be a better one than staying: 1. There is any kind of abuse. If you are experiencing any physical abuse, this is very serious and...

Divorce is a difficult and painful life transition. There are many considerations, including living arrangements, shared history, ideals of commitment, finances, and of course children of the marriage. Ending a marriage is a serious step, but there are instances where the marriage may be toxic enough, and even dangerous, and merit taking this measure. Here are 4 instances where the answer "Should I divorce?" might be yes: 1. Abuse in the marriage. Physical abuse is very serious and scary, and often escalates over time. Please contact a domestic violence shelter, or another professional who specializes in this issue, to determine the safest exit strategy. It is a very dangerous time when...

Relationships require effort, commitment, and love to be successful. With two emotionally balanced individuals who are motivated, a happy, fulfilling relationship is well within reach. However, there are instances where the relationship has an unbalanced and damaging dynamic in place that causes harm to one or both partners. It might feel as if no amount of effort improves things. Certain actions and behaviors on the part of one or both partners can render a relationship a destructive and damaging thing. Here are 4 signs it might be time to let go of the relationship: 1. Abuse. Any kind of abuse is damaging, whether it be physical or emotional. Physical abuse, of course, is extremely dangerous, and...

le> In case you didn’t know, we are living in a state where uncooperative victims of domestic violence are ducking and running from prosecutors and investigators who wish to compel their testimony. At this very moment, thousands of victims are holed up in their homes or are “on the lam” in their attempts to avoid contact with law enforcement officials. I have many concerns about the government’s aggressive practice of pursuing uncooperative victims and I believe there needs to be a change in the way our criminal justice system handles first time offenses involving domestic violence. The Recanting Victim The “recanting victim” phenomenon is nothing new. Any professional who has ever...

#ffffff;" /> If you thought that designer totes and handbags for the working woman are simply fashionable containers to put your urban professional tools in, then you have another think coming. With designer totes and handbags for the working woman on your hands, you can actually make a difference in your career and in the society you live in. Read on and find out how. Career Advancement When going to your first job interview after college graduation, you poured careful consideration into your clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup and hairstyle to present favorable first impressions. (And believe us when we say that first impressions do last in the working world!) In the same way, your range of newly...

Health Care Insurance companies, in order to give shareholders higher profits, are taking more aggressive measures to institute the concept of a 'pre-existing,' condition as a rationale for denying claims. Such issues as cancer, arthritis, diabetes have long ago been used to pad insurance company profit margins by denying coverage for issues deemed, 'high risk.' On the heals of high risk issues padding insurance company profit margins, eight states and DC insurance companies are now including domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. The eight states are Idaho, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming. Domestic violence as a pre-existing...

I received a question from a person who wanted to know how I felt about family court, where a person could lie under oath and believed. But what would happen if those false allegations were proven to be false? Here is my answer. The question is an interesting quandary. Family court is governed by civil rules not criminal rules. Since I don't know your case or what allegations you are referring to, let's use the sample of a restraining order. It is very common for a parent to ask for a restraining order against the other parent. Women have a particular social advantage here because of the more common abuse being a man abusing a woman. A woman can get a restraining order if she can convince the court...

p>Women empowerment programmes need a holistic approach so that rather than focusing on just one symptom problem we focus on a wide range of issues which are closely associated with women's marginalization and discrimination. Addressing these issues in an integrated manner will help us to find a wholesome solution towards total empowerment of women in all respects. We very well know that women have always been marginalized and relegated to the status of subjugated class in the society. This has been happening from thousands of years now. The legacy of discrimination and oppression of women is seen in the economic system, culture and social norms and political systems around the world. Gender...

In life there are always difficult interpersonal situations, which force us into soul searching because we want to change fast what is hurting us so deeply. Are you kept by your loved one in hurtful, frustrating, and confusing isolation, and you don't know why? Have you always been afraid of confronting someone you love, because he/she ignores you and gives you the silent treatment on purpose? Are you getting the cold shoulder, and don't even know why? Is someone who's normally eager to speak to you now keeping your conversations to the bare minimum? And, as a result, are you unsure of how to respond in a way that gets you accepted back in important conversations, allowing you to feel included and...

Let’s examine the legal implications of Battered Woman Syndrome. BWS was first proposed in the 1970’s. According to Joe Wheeler Dixon, PhD, JD BWS appears to be the product of legal advocacy and not science. BWS seems to owe its existence to the needs of legal advocates to support and justify claims by battered women who have killed (their batterers). The defense revolves around the woman’s mental deficiency and helplessness. Learned helplessness can be induced in lab animals, but no sudden rage or aggression. So, a battered woman kills her abusing husband. She doesn’t do it during a beating, thereby being able to claim self defense; she probably can’t, he’s too strong. While he is awake...

"She had tolerated five years of infidelity, mental abuse, and battering; but the rape of her little sister was the last straw. She finally left him...and ended up in my house." "Prosperity: The eternal flow of all that's good in life..." *Below is the fifth episode in a series of real life events experienced by the author. The only deviations from the truth may be the names of people and places. - Open House - We (my "adopted" sister, her husband, and I) have an "open house" policy. If any friend falls on hard times and needs a place to stay, all he/she has to do is call, or simply drop in. Over the past two years, we've taken in countless "strays" and helped them as much as we could. Whether...