Posted: Jun 1, 08 8:43am

Recently my brother died (March 15) and since that time, his wife has been unable to put her life back together and she is trying her best to care for her 10 y/o daughter from a previous marriage.

I just found out on Friday that she attempted suicide the day before (she is now in the hospital) and that her daughter (my niece by marriage) is in the care of the Washington DC Child Protective Services. My adult niece (step sister to the 10 y/o) called me to let me know that my brother's wife is also 2 months behind on rent with another month due today.

The adult niece (19 y/o) is trying to do what she can to get temporary custody of her step sister - and I am also trying to help in that area for a longer stay with me in Arizona. It is a difficult task to do long distance.

So I don't know the best way to help. I know that I can pray that God will work things out for this family. At the same time I feel like I should be doing something more - I don't have the finances to pay the rent myself, and since I am not in DC I can't even go over to the apartment to help them salvage their belongings in advance.

Any advice or help would be appreciated.