((((((((Amanda))))))))
OMG Im so sorry. Thats awful.
I hope she isnt overly traumatized, and can find some way to move on.
I will admit I also had to come back and edit this. I wanted to respond to you right away and didnt read the entire thread.
As far as life being easy, I struggled for years and had my fair share of troubles. I try to keep things in check, but things dont always go as planned. I try not to dwell, but its sometimes easier said than done.
My grandmother had a very hard life growing up. She even took care of me and my sister since my mom was frequently depressed. I once asked her how she got through it all. She said she just concentraited on getting through that very day. Thinking about the weeks, months, or years ahead became overwhelming to her so she didnt dwell on them.
Maybe she's right and we just have to keep plugging along, ya know?