Monday, March 7, 2005

My Sister's Keeper

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She lives somewhere on the streets of Los Angeles.  No home, no car and no job.  She has family in Philadelphia and New Jersey, but she doesn't want to come back home.   It's a day to day existence for her, trying to keep warm, find food, and avoid getting mugged.  Her 6 cats follow her wherever she goes and she sees to it that they eat before she does.    She has a husband who lives on the street, too.  He works once in a while when he's sober.  Like the very few men before him, he beats her when he's drunk.  They never had any children.  Thank God.

Not a day went by that her mother didn't worry about her.  She'd send money whenever she could, and spend all day waiting by the phone on Holidays hoping that she'd call.  Not anymore though.  Her mother died on January 28th and she doesn't even know it.   It's hard to notify someone when they don't have an address.  Her family tried to contact the lady who used to accept her mail, but she doesn't have a telephone either and she won't write back.  They asked the LA Police to stop by, and they were informed that no one was home.  The police left a note on the lady's door, but no one has called.

Linda isn't a mental patient, though I can't imagine anyone being in a sound state of mind and choosing the life that she has.  She used to be very smart and very pretty.  She had so much to offer, but... no takers.  Linda was a dancer once.  Ballet, jazz and tap.  She had a teaching degree.  She read thousands of books and was once the web master of a travel page.  Odd, that.  Linda never traveled anywhere herself.
 
Linda is my oldest sister.  We haven't heard from her in 6 months.  She never  cashed the money order that my Mom sent to her at Christmas.  The only phone number she knows is my mom's and it's not in service anymore.  My Mother moved out of her house last July and Linda doesn't even know the new address.  She couldn't contact us if she wanted to.   Maybe someone out there has seen her.  Her name is Linda Buffington.  Her husband's name is Donnie.  She's about 5'4" and weighed about 125 pounds the last time I saw her.  She had shoulder length, gray hair, and green eyes.  She is 56 years old, but she always looked younger than her age.  Her teeth are starting to decay.  She's a heavy smoker and adores cats. 

Can you help me find her?  Write to me.  Thanks.  OnMiOwnNow2@aol.com.


  
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UPDATE:  Thanks to the efforts of the LA Police Department my sister was found and told about my mother's death.  Sadly... she won't come back home and since my mother is gone, I doubt that we'll ever hear from her again.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Lisa!! I'm so sorry for the pain you are experiencing right now. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I hope that Linda shows up soon. I wish you peace...Sharon

Anonymous said...

How awful for you!  It's so hard to believe that people will choose such a life.  I'd have to agree that there's probably some mental health issues.  I hope that you will find her and that she's fine.  I will keep you in my thoughts!  Lisa

Anonymous said...

oh man.......((HUGS)) thank God you have Ray and as usual wish I could say something to help. My best friend from High School-her Dad was attorney. He one day quit and moved to the streets of Seattle. Kerry found him at Christmas and he would not come home. Theres no way to understand. (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Oh Lisa, this is so heartbreaking...just so sad....wow, I'm at a loss for words here...

Anonymous said...

My goodness, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom and of your sister as well.  I hope someday, somehow she finds her way back to you and your family. ~Kim

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update!  I am so glad that she was located and informed of your mom's passing.  I have a sister who was living in the streets and in shelters for sometime, so I understand your situation.  Lisa

Anonymous said...

I was glad to read that she was found, but I'm sorry she won't come home. I'm sorry about the loss of your Mom also. I pray to God that you and your sister get to reunite while you both are living. God Bless

Lahoma

Anonymous said...

ITS REALLY SAD TO HEAR YOUR SISTER WILL NOT COME HOME.. BUT NOW YOU KNOW SHE WAS FOUND, AND STILL ALIVE. SORRY TO HEAR YOUR OF YOUR MOMS PASSING. I SEND YOU MY HUGS AND SUPPORT. ~BERLY

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your mother's death and everything.  
Nice to know that your sister has been located.  I wish you could have the chance to see her.

Ana

Anonymous said...

::shaking head::

I'm so sorry to hear it, Lisa. You've done all you could. I can't imagine why she stays, but maybe some day she'll return.