Hi Amy. I have been thinking of your mom alot lately - I knew the anniversary was coming up but I wasn't sure of the exact date. It is a year later I still feel the shock of hearing that Minnie had passed away. It was so fast and so unexpected (by me anyway!).

You really have alot on your plate right now and I think Cookey has given you some great advice. You need to seek out an aunt or uncle or close family friend who can intervene on the behalf of all the girls.

It alarms me that the younger girls' supposed first thought was to take some pills. They are in great danger of self medicating. But, I think first they need counselling to try to deal with the death of your Mom and whatever anger and disappointment they might be feeling right now, and THEN if some peace is not achieved a physician could do whatever is necessary. I think this counselling needs to take place immediately before the younger ones - who are at such vulnerable ages - find themselves seeking comfort in dangerous places.

Maybe you can use the 1 year anniversary of your Mom's death to engage your Dad, your chosen Aunt/Uncle/Friend and all of the girls who are available in an open family meeting to discuss "where we are at now and future plans". That might be a non-confrontational way of dealing with some of the problems. Just a thought.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Donna