87. Kristin at Gun Club Visiting Mark

Kristin went to visit Mark again today.  I guess I should just get used to it as she feels as though she wants to help him.  However, I know first hand that someone that doesn't think there is anything wrong with them usually won't accept help.

I know it makes her feel better going there.  As I expressed a long time ago, Mark really has no one but us.  Now that he doesn't have me, the only one left is Kristin.  Now that I am in counseling I have learned only he is responsible for the predicament he is in.  It is not my fault.  I may still feel badly for him, but I didn't cause it and certainly cannot help him.  Kristin isn't to that point yet.

Kristin is an adult.  I have to let her make her own decisions.  I will admit it hurts to feel that my oldest daughter is an advocate for a man that has threatened to kill me and accused me of molesting her son.

Perhaps in time Kristin will realize he is the only person that can help himself.  Perhaps she will realize that most of the things he says are to benefit only him.

86. 380 Ruger and Concealed Weapons Training

Today I went with Joe's girlfriend Topaz to the West Palm Beach County Fair Grounds and took our concealed weapons training class to get our license.  The class was about 2 1/2 hours.  If all goes well I should have my license in about 6 weeks according to the instructor.

After the class Topaz and I shopped around for guns.  I knew what I wanted.  I found it at a couple of different vendors.  I actually got the last one they had.  It is a small gun.  It fits nicely in my hand.  It also has a red laser that helps with accuracy.

I am going to sign up for gun training classes as well.  I will probably never have to use it in my life, at least I hope I never do.  But, it is comforting to know if I need it I have it.

85. More Abuse - This Time By Claude

This afternoon was calm for me because I knew Mark wouldn't be getting out of jail any time soon.  Chris was running out to get ice cream for everyone and asked if I wanted some.  I usually say no. Today I decided to treat myself as if I had a small victory.

Chris returned with my chocolate chip scoop.  Right after the second bite I knew something was wrong.  One of the 'chips' wouldn't chew.  It was hard - too hard.  I spit it out in my mouth.  Lo' and behold I was staring at part of my molar.  I immediately called the dentist, but unfortunately he couldn't see me until Monday.  Just my luck.

84. Mark's First Appearance Hearing at Gun Club

There was a hearing this morning at the Gun Club Courthouse jail.   Mark's public defender wasn't there.  

The State Attorney called me to let me know that the judge continued 'no bail' for Mark.  She said his public defender would have to notify her of a bond hearing if he wants to try to get bail.  Mark doesn't have the money for bail even if it were granted in the future.

She also told me they consolidated my charges with the City of Riviera Beach charges.  Mark's next hearing will be his arraignment on April 23rd.

83. Packing Up the House

Megan and Claude were able to clean up all of the trash Mark had left.  They also have been boxing up my house.  Today is Sunday and Megan didn't have to work.  I had gone out there yesterday and dropped off more boxes.  I was shocked at how different the house looked.  They had packed up a ton of stuff and there were boxes stacked in the garage marked for him and me.  

When I left Saturday, Claude packed up the All-Safe van in our driveway with the boxes that belonged to me.  Today, both Megan and Claude followed me with Megan's car to my storage bin to unload all of the boxes and take the van to our shop.

82. John the Barber Causes Anxiety

Today was just like any other normal Tuesday.  That is until "John the Barber" called Kristin on her drive home.  We call him that because he used to be a barber across the street from our shop.

Mark has known John for more then 30 years.  So, when John retired Mark decided to hire him and teach him locksmithing.  Let's just say that John is more artistic then mechanically inclined.  He didn't last here for more then a few months.

Kristin had called me on her way home from work.  She sounded happy, upbeat and asked if I would stop at Walgreen's to pick up her prescription since I had to drive right by the store.  I told her I was happy to do so.

81. Kristin Talked About Her Visit With Mark

Kristin actually talked to me for the first time today about her visit with Mark on Saturday. She was the one that started the conversation, so I guess she wanted to talk about it.  She told me all about going to see him.

She also admitted that it's very hard on her, because it seems like every man that was her "dad" has verbally abused her. She seem to want so much for him to be okay, for her daddy to be okay.

Kristin told me Mark is in the senior area. So, it's pretty safe.  He told her to tell me, " Tell your mom I love & miss her."  She isn't supposed to do that.  I let this time slide, because it's the first time she has talked to me about him.