As the population ages the issues of the elderly become more widespread and crucial. Robin Cohen Westmiller has written a factual, detailed story of her family's struggle with guardianship abuse. She has courageously told the story of what she, her children and, most importantly, her parents suffered from a system not prepared to face the realities of  this theft and mistreatment.

Ruby and Regina Cohen worked hard all their lives taking care of their business, their daughter and their extended family of nieces and nephews. Retirement should have been a time of relaxing together to enjoy the security of family and financial stability. A small stroke changes all that. Ruby suffers a stroke that mildly seems to alter his thought process.  For many years he had spent a few weeks in Florida on vacation while Regina stayed home. His health seems to preclude another visit but  calls from his niece convince him to go. Nothing his wife or daughter say can convince him that he is not in shape for the journey, not mentally or physically . In March 2004 he got a friend to drive him to the airport and flew to Florida. That was the last his wife would see him for close to 2 years.

What follows is an eye opening tale of  the difficulties of fighting a system that is not set up to protect the well being of the elderly. Ms Westmiller's cousins were able to convince Ruby to file for divorce from his wife, refuse to see or speak with his daughter and granddaughters, attempt to empty his bank account and not return home. . As his health becomes worse and worse, Ruby is confined to nursing homes and hospitals. Even the court appointed guardian, the hope to change the situation, continues to drain his bank account, continues the divorce proceedings and let the cousins have a say in his life. Ms Westmiller must battle for her parents future in New York while her father is trapped in Florida from her home in California.

The inclusion of  copies of all of the documents that support Ms Westmiller's experiences are a well chosen addition. While she is able to tell her story with minimal emotional slants, it is the inclusion of the actual court records, comparisons of signatures attributed to her father and financial records that make this book so powerful. 

It would be wonderful to be able to annnouce that the book has a perfect, happy ending. While Ms Westmiller is able to to rescue her father from the Florida relatives, guardians and court system, the toll, financially, emotionally and physically on her parents is monumental. In less than 2 years they lose everything they has worked for their entire lives- their house, thier back accouunts and, sadly, their chance to live together. This book is a personal attempt by the author to educate others to this danger and raise the awaress of this potential tradgedy.