I wish I could do something to keep Dad from going after Mom ... I am tired of all the yelling and hitting that's going on, especially when Dad gets drunk and goes into one of his alcohol-fueled rages.

Dad cannot work, so he spends his disability check on booze.  He's an alcoholic and has been ever since I've known him.  He was injured in the war and is always in pain; the only way he knows how to cope is to get drunk and then rage at the world.  He is not a pleasant person to be around, and at times I hate his guts.

What's even worse is when he starts throwing things at Mom or hitting her.  I have seen him give her a black eye or a bruised cheek and it's enough to keep me from wanting to kill him myself.  He is a menace and a danger to our family; we are not safe as long as he is around.

Sometimes I wish Mom would just pack us up and leave; I am tired of the fighting or the neighbors complaining about Dad's stupid rages.  I am tired of having to lie to the cops and pretend that everything is okay when it obviously isn't.  I'm also tired of the late-night ambulance calls for Mom and having to deal with the nosy doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room.

Hell, I just wish Dad would leave or Mom would at least get a divorce.  I honestly don't know why Mom stays married to Dad.  Our lives would be so much easier if Dad wasn't a part of it!!

~To be continued!~