I went to a family baby shower this afternoon. I knew from Ashley's baby shower that my 17 year old cousin was heading down a bad path, but I had no idea HOW bad. Long story short: my cousin is special needs. She doesn't look "retarded" but she is VERY mentally slow. She's been in special schools since 2nd grade and is at a 3rd grade intellectual level. Not only is she slow mentally, but my aunt did an awful job parenting her and she is socially retarded... not Denise's fault, my aunt was truly an awful parent. So here she is, mentally slow AND socially stunted. To make matters worse, she's not even 5' tall and well over 300 pounds, and bathes only once a week or so... but I wonder if thats because their bathroom HAS NO DOOR. I can't imagine bathing while someone walking down the hallway can see you. Her brother used to use her as his own punching bag and a few of us wonder what else he used her for. I'm talking about a real quality home life here (yes, thats sarcasm at its finest)

Anyway, at Ashley's shower, Denise was rambling about having a baby because she has a godson (her best friend's baby) and how she wanted one of her own. I figured it was Denise being Denise - just talking and not realizing what the words she says mean. Apparently, Denise is serious about having a baby and has been practicing unsafe sex with any man willing to have sex with her. If she does get pregnant, we'll have no idea who's the father. Not only that but I can't imagine what diseases she's exposing herself to. She has NO IDEA what she's doing is harmful and wrong, and her mom just shrugs her shoulders and says "What can I do? I talk to her about sex all the time" is my aunt for real???? I sometimes feel like I am descended from the worst white trash on the eastern coast.

Sooooo.... my mom for once is outraged (it takes a LOT to get mom angry). Up til now she's told me to leave things alone and let them live their lives. Now she's ready to get her "fixed" (LOL, mom was seriously kidding to break up the tension) I told her that you can't spay a 17 year old girl like you can a dog, though it WOULD be the best thing for her. I told mom this is a case for Child Services since Denise is still a minor. Dare I call about this? I know CS investigation would kill my aunt. She already has bad health and severe depression. She was on suicide watch a while back. I am at a loss. Poor Denise needs intervention to protect her from herself.

PS: I had to giggle at Denise's outfit today. She was all dressed up wearing black sheer stockings and fip flops. How can you wear flip flops between your toes and stockings? But she did! She honestly doesn't know right from wrong - she was never taught or explained common sense things.