Comments

The two of you look so cute having your ice cream together, but it was a fantasy, Emily. She is a strong, attractive, charismatic, and very controlling person. You are one of many people who have fallen prey to her. I know you don't want to hear this Emily, but I advise you to let go. Maybe you can save someone else. Another thought: Your story reminds me very much, in many ways, of Henry James's "The Turn of the Screw." I, too, have played the role that you and the governess have. Many, many truths in that story Emily. Well done for trying, well done for recognizing the realities and well done for writing about it so brilliantly.

Neil

I think you're doing the right thing, let her know you're there, but now she has to come to you... you can't beat yourself up over it...
But how amazing.... you have such a big heart! Emily...Bless you for trying...but in the end, the decisions are her's. God Himself doesn't force anyone to make right decsions...He points the way, offeres encouragement, provides needs..etc...Just like you did for her Emily.......but when it comes right down to it...the individual makes the choice.
One day, if/when she comes to her senses she may remember your kindness and seek a better way. Until then, you can always lift her up in prayer and give her over to the Lord....no better hands can she be in ! ;) It's funny b/c I recently found myself in the same situation with a friend. I realized the other day that I could not deal with his mood swings, attacks and put downs just b/c he was on drugs and he has used me all this time and used to tell me he was not doing drugs and then would still be doing it and seriously, it is not worth being "friends" with him b/c I offer him so much and I get nothing in return...not that friendship is an exchange. I think you are doing right with offering to help her especially since she is younger than you.

Sheila

I'm proud of you, Emily. And I grieve with your pain. May God's power and grace be abundantly evident, whether we understand it or not. Emily, I'm so glad to hear that you know what you can't do. I'm not religious, but the Serenity Prayer seems particularly apt..."and the wisdom to know the difference". You have a heart of gold, I hope one day Brittney will recognize all you did for her. That is so kind of you, Emily. I believe that one day she WILL realize what a great friend you are :-) Emily, its so wonderful to hear your story. People like you re-enforce my faith that there are still true greatness in the human race. Its such a shame that there are so many poeple really in need & will benefit from the love & kindness that you have offered, but your effort in this case kind of gone wasted. And I also felt bad that good people like youself being taken advantage of, & there is just not enough people to look after the good people like you. I wish you well & thank you for being there. Okay now, don't be too hasty setting up that pedestal, there.

Brittney actually inspired me to give up my own addiction, three months ago today. And every day is still a battle. I'm thankful for the fact that she made me want to be strong enough.

Everyone's chock full of flaws. Everyone. And anyone can help someone else. It's not hard.

Thank you all for the comforting encouragement.

...your addiction?

A couple of times I have tried to rescue someone I loved very intensely. Each time, I was nearly destroyed in the process. If I had not tried, I could not have lived with myself. However, I now set some limits for myself. If I go under, there is no one who would rescue me.