I mentioned briefly, in my last post, that I, along with my family, had just endured a very traumatic event. That event could have ended the life of my precious niece and the life of her unborn child, as well. Her almost four- year-old daughter may have memories that will haunt her for a lifetime. Even I have had issues to overcome, as her aunt, and I can hardly imagine what my dear sister, her mother has endured. I can hardly answer questions when asked because of waves of nausea and trembling. So, I made the decision to write a short version of what happened as it was told to me. I hope this will be thereputic for me. Perhaps some of you will remember the short poem describing my niece, that I included in my previous journal. Here's a tidbit, " ............flower petal skin, like the purest porcelain. And the bluest eyes, beneath the skies,..............." This beautiful little girl that I love so much, is all grown up now with a little blonde miniature replica of herself that is now almost four and is eight months pregnant with another little girl baby. She and her daughter went shopping one morning last week. She became un- easy when she felt that she was being followed around the store by a stranger. The woman (age 34) did not look and act quite right, so my niece hurriedly took ;her selections to the check-out counter. My niece was suddenly attacked from behind by the woman, who slashed at her repeatedlly with a steak knife. She shielded the baby with her arms while she screamed for help. She said it seemed an eternity before another customer, a brave man, tackled the woman and pinned her arms until the police arrived. His wife helped to console my niece's daughter, while they were trying to control the bleeding. She had been viciously stabbed 6 times, along with numerous cuts on her arms. Two of the cuts were to the abdomen, one on either side of the baby, barely missing it (which they did not know at the time.) The one to the thigh proved to be most serious, as it entered the muscle. She was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, then later transported to a neo-natal hospital 150 miles away. An irregular heartbeat from the baby was probably caused by the stress. When my sister called me on the way there, she requested that I call my prayer chain , which I did, and I know that other local churches began praying for them. Praise God, the tests that followed showed a restored rhythm and that the baby was fine. My nieces wounds were treated and she was released on crutches the next day. We were told later that the woman had been released from jail the previous day. She had been imprisoned for stabbing another woman a few years ago. Apparently, she was mentally deranged, with a violent history. The shock of this happening has stunned our entire family and community. I can't begin to express how violated we still feel. Her little girl, in her grandmother's care, refused to go into a store because, "that woman might be there and kill me." Accidents are hard enough to cope with, but a vitriolic act of hatred and violence shakes one to the core. We warn our children to avoid dangerous places and people, but to not be able to feel safe in ordinary places in plain daylight just blows ones mind. It would be easy to slip into a vengeful mood of retaliation. I was helped very much by viewing a film on "20-20" a few nights ago. It showed a mother's journey to her forgiving the murderer of her small child abducted on a family camping trip. As she said, "Hatred can eat you alive." As a result of her efforts, the killer was captured and convicted. I definitely want my niece's attacker to recieve the treatment she must have. I am also praying that she will not be loosed upon society again until they are certain she is rid of the demons which obviously possess her. I pity her for her torment, but I embrace loved ones that I could so suddenly have lost. Thank God for answered\ prayers, and for sending that brave man to her rescue. I , along with my family, will be eternally grateful.