Hi, Shiny! Ahhh the teacher's blues...edit edit replace replace staple staple...hives hives! (Get rid of those - they're not useful!!!! )
You're compassionate to want to send CJ's niece a letter...that womanly/psychology pull to want to help...Ellie's probably right about consulting a lawyer...I can't remember how old the niece is...19 or something??? If there is an adult in her life that you trust that she is trusting, it might be good to start with that, just find out if, from their perspective, there is anything you could do. Going to counseling sessions I think (being trained in family therapy) is a generous offer and can often be really useful for all involved - assuming it's a good therapist who will know how to put boundaries on during the session and use you to get info that will shed light on niece's needs...
If it's NOT an experienced/knowledgable therapist, it can be very painful if not harmful to do something like that. Sad, because you're no doubt correct - she's probably been molested/abused somewhere along the line. But, speaking unfortunately from both sides of the therapy room, when you're abused like that, most of the healing is your responsibility. She is blaming everyone else, I wonder if she has any sense that she must do the hard work to overcome this, and attacking others will make very little difference in her own healing process. From that perspective, it might be good just to let yourself off the hook. Stay out of her life as much as possible. Particularly if that will reduce the number of hives you get!!!!!
If you believe in prayer, you could do that...I know I would want to try to do SOMETHING, so talking to a lawyer & then family members might be something to try...
Good luck!!!!
Keep your eyes & heart on what you've got that's great!!!
)
