About Nick Reiner [View all]

I understand too well about dysfunctional family dynamics like this situation.

My friend was 77 when this happened. He's struggling due to a head-on car collision six years ago. He was nearly medically decapitated and had to have surgery to re-attach his head to his cervical spine (neck) with rods.

His son was 45 and living with my friend and his wife due to the collapse of his second marriage. And an alcoholic. Went to rehab at least twice on my friend's limited funds and left both times against advice. He's still drinking. (My friend has found those airplane bottles of booze scattered around his bedroom.)

Early April, my friend suffered 2-3 days of violent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea b/c his son gave him food that was left out in his car for 12+ hours (food poisoning). Weakened, my friend struggled to recover.

And without warning, in a drunken rage, his son attacked him in their home. A Half-Nelson on the vulnerable neck. And the son called his aunt and blathered that he was going to smash his father's face. And then returned to hit his father with a baseball bat, breaking four ribs.

Now, mind you that my friend has financed his son throughout his life. Paid for two failed weddings and marriages. Paid to restore a purchased home that was essentially made of balsa wood with his own funds. Hasn't asked for rent or a contribution for utilities, etc.

And despite what happened in April, the son continues to live with my friend and his wife.

And I fear for my friend's safety and life as attacks like this are rarely isolated and will be repeated in the future.