She has lived in Vegas for at least 10 years. However, her parents – who are very religious – also live there. This realtor goes to their church, therefore my friend thought he was “trustworthy” and a “good Christian.”

Big mistake IMO. I’d like to think she has learned her lesson but I really dont think she has. My friend is a bit neurotic and fairly panicky. I think she is anxious to find someone to just take responsibility for her, hold her hand and tell her it will all be OK. Ugh.

I’ve tried to tell her in every, freakin’ way that I can, that you simply cant give up your own ‘personal power’ like that….that it’s important to maintain some control, be educated about what you’re doing, the process, etc.

However, whenever the conversation gets to that point she says, “so, did I tell you that my son got a gold star in art class today?”

And, yes, she has been taken by a number of people she thought she could trust. She entrusted her son to a babysitter (whom she thought was a good friend). It turns out that the woman’s teen age son was molesting her 3 year old son. Her kid’s father is a jerk who only dates strippers, and she’s been burned by other people. The only thing that keeps her in Lost Wages is her parents.

CDMA, your mom is lucky that have you! I cant imagine living in Vegas and being forced to be suspicious of everyone and anyone.