Yes, Julie deserves a better life.

Maybe we all find ways to protect ourselves. From the hard and harsh realities of life. But some ways are more sordid than others. Take my friend Julie, for instance. She drinks and drinks and drinks. Drowning her sorrows. In a sea of wine. Where she becomes  schnockered.  Where she momentarily forgets being unhappy. She escapes into oblivion. Or into semi-consciousness. A self-induced dementia. How ironic. The very thing she saw. When caring. For too many years. For her Alzheimer-riddled parents.  Yes, maybe it was the exhaustive and emotionally draining care-giving. That pushed Julie over the edge. Into the abyss. Into the wine bottle. Mom and dad have found their relief. In death. But Julie lingers on.  Fooling herself. Into thinking. That she’s found a safe haven. When really, it’s a living hell. Makes me wonder. If it’s time for Julie’s friends. To intervene. To stop this nonsense. It’s time to rescue Julie. Before it’s too late. Julie needs to be protected from herself. Yes, Julie deserves a better life.  --Jim Broede