I have written this post a thousand times in my mind, and believe me it never turned out like this.
My first thoughts were, there are no winners in this story. Well, maybe This American Life, and certainly Brian’s years of blood, sweat and tears that he put into this production is beyond amazing. The popularity of this podcast and the “Peabody awards says it all. Congratulations to them. I am sure there were times Brian Reed was asking, why me???
So, could John Brooks be the winner? At first, I would have answered no, but wait, maybe he has finally found the peace he so desperately searched for. Unknowingly to John Brooks, after his tragic death the story turned not only to his life but his death. This podcast gave us a look into the life of a extraordinary man, a man that might have realized this was his chance to not only ride into the sunset but, also have the last laugh. Just maybe he found his gold at the end of the rainbow.
Mary Grace once told me, ” as bad as I miss John Brooks, I would not bring him back because he would just do it all over again”
Is Tyler the winner? At first, I would have answered no, but wait, did he serve time for his illegal actions? No. Did he have to return any stolen items? No. Is he still giving interviews and getting the attention he wants? Yes. Did he get his new home after all? Yes. Did he benefit from “Go Fund Me” accounts? Yes. So, does that make Tyler the winner? I guess you would have to ask him.
Is Mary Grace the winner? At first, I would have answered no, but wait, she now lives in a comfortable place. A place where she does not have to worry about being too cold, too hot, or being hungry. She gets to go to the beauty salon and get her hair cut and styled, she gets to travel, and eat out. She gets to watch TV, and trust me she keeps up with what is going on in the world. ( She certainly enjoyed Prince Harry’s wedding.) She has gone to visitation when some of her friends have pasted. Her caregiver and I talk about her memory, I am sure she has some stage of dementia but, we believe most of her memory problems are just the aging process. So yes, maybe she in the winner.
Am I the winner? At first, I would have answered no, but wait, was I able to accomplish the things I set out to do, which was to protect Mary Grace and provide her better living conditions? Yes. Did this bring me closer to family, especially ones I had lost touch with? Yes. Do I still have a loving husband that I have been married to for 44 years? Yes. Do we both still have our good health? Yes. Not to say this situation did age me more than I would like to admit.
You know the saying: the things that don’t kill you only make you stronger. And, in the grand scheme of things: Any day above ground is a good day!
I hope you have enjoyed reading the blog and maybe it has answered some of your concerns and questions.
OK- I have finished talking.
Reta
It has been requested that I share some more pictures, I plan to do this in a blog dated 7-9-18.
Bravo !
Looked forward to each and every post, I hate that they are over. Thank you for clearing up so many questions and also for providing a good read!
Glad you wrote this blog .after reading what you went through and the cost and time consuming ordeal Its evident that what you wrote is truth.
Thanks for writing this blog, Reta. I’m sure it’s quite difficult to have your family members turned into characters for the world to meet and you have done a fine job looking after your people. and writing more for strangers to understand them. Thanks again! The photos are wonderful.