J
jsladder
So, yes, this is what thrust me into the PTSD realm. This was my great grandfather and honestly, probably the best friend I ever had and was fortunate to have had 24 years with him. He was born in 1890. Though the murder happened in 1985, the conviction of the murderer didn't occur until 2011, 26 years later. I was called to the scene as the representing family member and asked to detail anything out of place, etc. The crime scene was what horror movies are made of. The only thing identified as stolen was the $1 bill set out for the next days lunch delivered by Meals on Wheels to the elderly. Grandpa did not disclose where the small stash of cash was, about $200.00, and perhaps so frustrated after only finding $1 to take led to the dozens of stab wounds. But the next 26 years of working to solve the crime was quite the grind, constantly having to relive the experience every time a new suspect came to light, a new Crime Stoppers effort and reoffer rewards every few years, eventually becoming a cold case and soliciting signatures to present to legislature to afford funds for cold cases (this is at a time when the cost to code the DNA evidence was finally becoming affordable to process). The lead detectives on the case either retired or were deceased. Being informed that there was a DNA match and the guy was already in jail, but though he was to be held pending charges, was mistakenly released. Then the years before official charges were brought and then the years of delays to go to trial. The plea bargain deal was for 30 years. Then, a few weeks ago, was informed that there is supposedly a potential for a parole hearing within the next year or so, and he's only been incarcerated for 3.5 years. So, it begins again. Seeing a psychiatrist tomorrow so I can try to get myself pulled back together, didn't work one day in January and wanting to do everything correctly regarding FMLA and hoping I righteously am eligible for short term disability income. And short term I hope it is.
