March 24, 2022

Only a few members of my family

want to talk about my brother's death. He died the last week of August.

My cousins change the subject. My mother says she thinks about him every once in a while. She is like TFG, a malignant narcissist. My brother did not like her very much. She talks about everything but his death. My youngest brother has been very matter of fact, but does not want to share any feelings.

My brother had a good friend, Karl. They met through work. Karl is odd. My SIL and I are pretty sure he is on the spectrum. I have always liked him and shared a bond with him and his wife. He will talk to me about my brother's death and how we both miss him. Karl will share, and he is not even family.

My daughters and my husband are just as disappointing. No luck there. My son called me and shared some of his feelings. Then he came out to visit with me. He is a little better than the rest of them. He helped his sister a lot when her first husband died. He took care of the many practical details. We all supported her. We spoke with her daily for a long time. Now there is nothing.

My brother and his wife had been separated, but not divorced, for many years. His youngest daughter took care of a lot of the details. But his children and wife have nothing to say. And one of his daughters should know better. She lost her husband two years ago. She has three young children. She has had all kinds of support.

Other than Karl, I feel like I am sitting on an island.

March 2, 2022

Madigan indicted!

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/3/2/22958533/michael-madigan-indicted-charges-illinois-house



Former House Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted on criminal charges as part of an ongoing federal political corruption investigation, sources say.

The once powerful politician has been charged with a racketeering conspiracy and bribery with longtime political condifant Michael McClain.

Madigan is now one of the most significant politicians in Illinois history ever to face criminal charges, despite having left office more than a year ago. The news is the culmination of one of the most significant, expansive public corruption investigations Illinois has seen in years, already leaving an indelible mark on state politics by knocking Madigan out of power on January 2021.

The powerful Southwest Side Side Democrat had held his seat in the state House of Representative since 1971 and served as speaker for all but two years between 1983 and 2020.


Holy shit. I never thought I would see this.