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May 2016 Moms
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Sister survived attack

pantherkiss0586pantherkiss0586 member
in May 2016 Moms
Hello ladies. I wanted to reach out. Yesterday evening my sister was waitressing when a man with a machete systematically attacked staff and patrons at the restaurant. You may have heard about it on the news. She escaped safely but is distraught and understandably fearful of leaving home. I spent the day with her, comforting her and listening. My heart breaks for my little sister. I hate that she had to see such a horrific act. I hate that one if her friends was critically injured. I hate the deranged man who did this. 
I wanted to seek guidance regarding how best to support my sister and her healing process. Has anyone been through something similar? Our mom is battling brain cancer (may not live to meet baby) and I want to throw my hand up in the air and tell "what next"? Focusing all of my energy on how blessed we are that she is safe, that I get to hug her, that my mom gets to snuggle with her in bed. But damn, it's hard. 
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Re: Sister survived attack

  • businessmamabusinessmama member
    @pantherkiss0586  I have no similar stories, but I am truly so sorry that she had to experience that. I can't imagine how difficult it was, but you being there for her today must have meant the world. Prayers for everyone involved.
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  • doozer1345doozer1345 member
    I'm so sorry you're going through this. I've not been through this so I don't have first hand advice. I think bc it's this fresh in happening that just playing it by ear and letting her lead as far as how to support her or be there for her and what she needs. You need to be sure to take care of you too though.
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  • kbrands7kbrands7 member
    I'm so sorry that she was part of such violent chaos and likely witnessed some horrible things. I'm sorry too, that you're needing to tackle so many stressful circumstances at once. Thoughts and prayers to you. I think giving your sister room to talk about it if she wants, and doing what you can to help her feel safe will help for now. She should also look into counseling so that she can navigate through the feelings and fears that may arise from this experience.
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  • PYLWhammyPYLWhammy member
    Oh my, I heard about that on the news. I'm glad your sister is safe.
    Everyone heals differently after going through something traumatic. The best thing to do is to just support her and be there for her, as you are already doing! 
    And I can't imagine going through what you are going through with your mother too. Prayers to your whole family.
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  • hellogoodbye2hellogoodbye2 member
    I live about 10 minutes from this resturant. I'm beyond shocked. Such a horrible person. I hope your sister can heal from this quickly.
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  • LadySamLadyLadySamLady member
    I am so incredibly sorry that you are going through such a stressful time and my heart goes out to your family. I can't imagine what your sister must be feeling. I'm sure having you there is a comfort and it is the best you can do right now, just be there. I would echo what PP have said about counseling, your sister is very likely in a state of severe trauma and PTSD is not something she should deal with alone. 
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  • pantherkiss0586pantherkiss0586 member
    Thank you all. She will be going to counseling starting in the next week or two. That will help her a lot and give her tools to join the world again. It feels like I'm not doing enough but I think that is me over analyzing as I typically do. We are blessed to have an amazingly supportive family and friend base. I think she absolutely is suffering from PTSD. What really sucks now is trying to keep her from seeing any new related to the attack. It is everywhere. 

    As as far as my own health, I am doing well. It took me awhile to get back to focusing on my health after my mom's diagnosis but I did. My husband and I decided to get pregnant after we learned about my mom. This will be her first grandchild and we want her to experience as much of my pregnancy and the baby as possible. This little girl has been an enormous blessing to our entire family. I am making a conscious effort to take time for myself to de-stress and enjoy the life growing inside of me. One day at a time. Thank you all for your kind words and support. 
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