My auntie (mom's sister) who lives in British Columbia, has been keeping tabs on the Sienna situation since she's closer, visits often, and knows everyone involved. Sienna and Co. live in southernmost Washington state. Here is my auntie's latest update:

Players:

• Sienna: wee cousin
• Sandy: her completely useless mom
• Roan: her 16 year old juvie brother
• Auntie Diamond: Sandy's mom; Sienna lives with her. She is 90 and frail.
• Harry: Auntie Diamond's nephew. He has power of attorney and manages Auntie D's affairs.
• Maura: Harry's daughter, currently living with Auntie D. and Sienna
• Stephen: Sienna and Roan's dad. Has two other families. Pays child support but will not in any other way acknowledge his children.

"I just talked to Harry, and here is the scoop.

"Firstly, a niece, very kind and trustworthy, about 50 is now living full time with Auntie D and will remain after Maura leaves in July. (Maura is getting married.) She is going to look after the bookkeeping, meals and be a companion, as Auntie D gets on well with her. It is Auntie D's sister's daughter.

"As for Sandy, she has been in JAIL several times this past year, for driving without insurance, and shop lifting, and other petty crimes. GREAT.

"Roan has run away, quit school and apparently noone knows where he is nor seems to care.

"Sienna, in spite of all of this , continues to do well in school, will continue to live mostly full time with Lil only sees Sandy rarely on weekends. Harry seems to think it is the best they can do for now.

"The auntie sisters of Stephen, are not all they are cracked up to be by Auntie D and would NOT be suitable foster parents according to Harry.

"He feels the situation is stable for now. I asked him what will happen if Auntie Diamond dies, and he said he is keeping two options open, your offer to help her and also that Maura may decide to take her. Very sketchy plan, as far as I am concerned.

"Auntie D is doing fine at the moment and actually sounds good on the phone. I think her concern that Maura was trying to get her house is not a real concern. It sounded to me that Harry is trying his best and is going down there every other week to clean up, repair etc. and is keepinga close eye on things. I think they have Auntie D's best interests at heart. We can only trust, as they have the power of attorney and we don't."