She looks tons better already, Laurie!! I absolutely love the pic of her and her dad.
More prayers for continued success...
Sorry - I'm not familiar with the publication to which you provided a link. I am not a Jew and am unfamiliar with the traditions and laws. Gary is Jewish, and was a member of the Israeli army, on active duty for 6 1/2 years and on reserve, living in Israel for an additional three. He fought active combat during the Lebanon war, and had to sign documents that he understood he could not be buried in a Jewish cemetary nor inside the wall unless he was willing to have the limbs with tatoos on them cut off. I don't know the laws in Israel now, and they may have changed, but tatoo parlors were illegal. Gary knew two other Jews with Tatoos, and they got those tatoos while on duty at an airshow in Germany. I do know that the friend who had the same tatoo as Naomi was buried outside of the wall in a non-jewish cemetary, despite giving his life for the country.Originally Posted by bathory
BTW Jews are NOT forbidden to have tattoos.
http://www.bmezine.com/news/guest/20040819.html
Originally Posted by bathory
....I do have one question though, why take out her piercings for the photo?
Not to nag, but since she's a vegetarian, make sure she gets enough protein. She's going to need a balanced diet to stay healthy.Originally Posted by LDG
For now, she's medicated and mostly just sleeping. She's drinking lots of tea, juice and water, eating fruits and veges (she's a vegetarian) and Gary's wonderful omelettes (sp?) - and again, mostly just sleeping.
Tricia, I'm so glad you posted. Although at first we were completely blown away by the reaction of the cats, I must admit - especially Spooky - it did dawn on us that it really must be that sense of her being completely non-threatening. If it's just the heroine, then so be it, we'll deal with the next step down the road when she comes home from detox.Originally Posted by jcat
I've been debating all day whether I should post or not, because I don't want to jeopardize Naomi's chances, but I also don't want you and Gary to have to face the dark plunge into darkest disappointment and despair. You've described how the cats totally accepted Naomi, which, superficially, is very positive. .... heroin addicts are rather passive when they're high, and thus non-threatening, so pets seem to accept them wholeheartedly. Don't read too much into that acceptance. Jerry did try to kick his habit, and was successful for short periods, but OD'd at the age of 26. He had a lot of (emotional and financial) support from family and friends, but it obviously wasn't enough. Be careful, for your own sakes. I know what you're trying to do involves a lot of emotional investment, but please keep in mind that wanting something with every fiber of your being isn't a guarantee of success, and that you'll have to deal with the aftermath.
Fortunately, she does eat fish. Gary did roll sushi last night. I do have some learning to do - it's been a long time since I was a vegetarian. Right now, we're more focussed on getting her into rehab and off the heroine. We have decided to head up to Canyon Ranch for 10 days after rehab, so I think that'll be the perfect time for all of us to focus on the other aspects of health and healing.Originally Posted by mamacat
Not to nag, but since she's a vegetarian, make sure she gets enough protein. She's going to need a balanced diet to stay healthy.
This is such a difficult question. I think it depends a lot on her state when and if she does join us at TCS. If it is soon after rehab, it might be better to delete this thread, and let her tell us what she wants to tell us, if anything. For one thing, it will make her feel more in control of her relationships with people. For another, I would be concerned about some of the things that we have said here and how she might take them--for example, warnings to you about the possibility that she would rob you, or could be taking advantage of you. They were perfectly appropriate comments for us to make to you, but they may undermine her confidence in herself if she sees them too soon after rehab. I see nothing wrong with letting her know that you talked to others about your decision to bring her to your home--it will help her to understand that you are a person too who also needs the support of others. I just don't know that everything we have said to you is appropriate for her to see.Originally Posted by LDG
Important question. At some point in the future, Naomi will probably at least visit TCS, if not become a member.
What do I do about this thread?
Wow - that really sums up so well the basis of my concern and question! I think you're really hit the nail on the head here, and I think you are absolutely right. Wow - what a great site! Wonderful AND wise people!Originally Posted by mamacat
This is such a difficult question. I think it depends a lot on her state when and if she does join us at TCS. If it is soon after rehab, it might be better to delete this thread, and let her tell us what she wants to tell us, if anything. For one thing, it will make her feel more in control of her relationships with people. For another, I would be concerned about some of the things that we have said here and how she might take them--for example, warnings to you about the possibility that she would rob you, or could be taking advantage of you. They were perfectly appropriate comments for us to make to you, but they may undermine her confidence in herself if she sees them too soon after rehab. I see nothing wrong with letting her know that you talked to others about your decision to bring her to your home--it will help her to understand that you are a person too who also needs the support of others. I just don't know that everything we have said to you is appropriate for her to see.
I've thought about that too. I was wondering if you had told her about this thread or not. I know the answer now. I had also thought about how she may feel posting here, knowing that there was a thread about her.Originally Posted by LDG
Important question. At some point in the future, Naomi will probably at least visit TCS, if not become a member.
What do I do about this thread?
very well put!Originally Posted by mamacat
This is such a difficult question. I think it depends a lot on her state when and if she does join us at TCS. If it is soon after rehab, it might be better to delete this thread, and let her tell us what she wants to tell us, if anything. For one thing, it will make her feel more in control of her relationships with people. For another, I would be concerned about some of the things that we have said here and how she might take them--for example, warnings to you about the possibility that she would rob you, or could be taking advantage of you. They were perfectly appropriate comments for us to make to you, but they may undermine her confidence in herself if she sees them too soon after rehab. I see nothing wrong with letting her know that you talked to others about your decision to bring her to your home--it will help her to understand that you are a person too who also needs the support of others. I just don't know that everything we have said to you is appropriate for her to see.
Thank you so, so much for sharing this. I really do appreciate the concern and warnings from those with other experiences, and I understand they come from the heart as well. I am so glad that you had this opporunity in life, and it is so wonderful to know that dreams can come true.Originally Posted by fesavdme
I have read this thread several times and I have learned to get the kleenex before I start now. I can relate to Naomi in a few ways. I was a drug addict until a wonderful family opened up their home and hearts to me. Although circumstances were different I would like to share one thing with you....Some of us go through life guarding ourselves, our hearts until one day someone stands beside us and loves us. They do not mind loving from a distance to allow us time to adjust to this new found treasure. That in itself is what draws us closer,...the ability to make our own decision. I love and respect my parents dearly for what they did for me (as they adopted me 18 years ago).
My hats off to you and your husband. The gift of love is the greatest gift you can give and the most costly. I wish you and your family all the best. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!!!!