Losing my life savings to someone I deeply trusted and loved was devastating, leaving me heartbroken and betrayed. A friend gave me the only advice they could. Seek justice, focus on recovery, protect myself financially and bring awareness to others to learn from my experience. Despite that pain, I’m committed to seeking justice through the proper channels while focusing on my emotional health and recovery. This has taught me the importance of taking practical steps to safeguard my future. Most importantly, I hope to offer insight to others by providing awareness of my experience.
MOM WISDOM: LIFE’S PRICELESS LESSONS
Mom and I have had many heartfelt discussions about forgiveness and grace in light of what has happened. I shared my decision to proceed with the lawsuit to recover my significant investment in our ranch and expressed how strongly I felt about it. True to her nature, she opposes me pursuing legal action, believing that involving the authorities would only escalate the situation and cause harm to everyone involved. While I’ve chosen to move forward with legal steps to recover my investment and protect both her and my brother’s well-being, she reminded me that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but of strength and grace. Forgiveness won’t change the past but could very well change the future. Her words have stayed with me as I try to see things from your perspective, recognizing that hurt exists on both sides. Forgiveness, even when it feels undeserved, is a reflection of compassion and humanity—it’s about loving myself enough to move forward with kindness. My heart is heavy, and this path isn’t easy, but choosing grace while seeking resolution is essential for healing.
Many have only heard one side of the story—the version that portrays you in a positive light. That’s exactly how you want it. However, I believe it’s important to bring some clarity and perspective to the situation. Awareness.
PERSONAL FINANCIAL DEVASTATION
The financial impact of this situation has been profound. I made what I believed to be a meaningful investment in our ranch. $580,000.00—well over half a million dollars—representing nearly my entire life savings. Money I worked hard to save over years, starting during my time in the Marine Corps.
A substantial portion of my investment was dedicated to building an apartment intended to provide a safe and supportive home for my elderly mother and disabled brother. That space was meant to offer them care and stability for their future. Yet, you’ve refused to even acknowledge any obligation to return my investment—not even a single cent. Instead, you’ve chosen to double down on your deception. You’ve co-opted that home’s original intent, turning it into your own while completely excluding those who made it possible. Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars from your dad’s business—as if my family never existed or were even part of the original vision. It’s all been profoundly disheartening.
Though our lives have taken different directions, the financial matters between us remain unresolved. I had hoped for clarity and resolution regarding my investment, but our perspectives on the situation remain vastly different.
BANK OF MOM
While reflecting on the investments made in our ranch is unsettling, what concerns me even more is the significant amount of money that appears to have come from your mom’s retirement and savings. From what I understand, the $135,000 down payment for the ranch was funded by her retirement and savings. Additionally, it seems that since early 2022, a substantial amount of her funds may have been used to cover personal expenses—potentially more than $200,000. This raises serious concerns about financial responsibility and the management of her money.
Given that your mom has been residing at Menger Springs and other care facilities for several years, I worry that she may not have full visibility into all financial decisions made on her behalf. Managing someone else’s finances comes with important responsibilities, and I hope that decisions are made with transparency and care to ensure her long-term financial security.
Even if a lawyer helped you in structuring the financial arrangements to comply with legal requirements after the fact, it’s just wrong and very troubling. In a general discussion with an Adult Protective Services agent about similar situations—without mentioning any names or specific details—I was given an example that resonated with me: The agent described a situation where the use of someone else’s property without clear consent could raise concerns, even if later returned. The agent emphasized the importance of reporting concerns if such a situation were to occur.
The use of your mother’s funds for personal expenses could significantly jeopardize her financial security. I struggle to understand why this might have happened at all, as it could undermine trust and create risks for her future well-being. Ethical financial management should focus on safeguarding her interests and ensuring that her needs come first. Situations like this can have lasting consequences—not just on relationships, but on reputations as well. This reminds me of another difficult financial situation within your family where relatives made poor financial decisions on behalf of your grandmother and had unfortunate unintended consequences.
It is hardly surprising that the majority of the financial investment in our ranch came from your mother and me, while your contributions were significantly smaller. To be candid, while your mother and I together contributed nearly a million dollars, your contributions were nearly nothing. We shall see soon enough.
THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW
It’s been eye-opening to realize the full extent of financial reliance on others. While your siblings have faced financial difficulties, it appears that you benefit from your dad’s ranch and businesses—potentially without their complete awareness. You could choose to offer them financial support, but that would naturally impact your own financial situation. The choices you’ve made in this regard reflect a pattern of financial dependency I hadn’t fully understood.
Over the years, much of your financial support seems to have come from your father rather than through your own efforts. Your father helped cover your debt to George and contributed to the down payment on your home in New Market. Your mother paid the down payment for our ranch in Texas, though part of my investment should have gone to repay her in part, it never did. Much of those funds were instead used for the child’s expenses, including nearly all her living expenses and apartment.
Though you present certain accomplishments as your own, they have largely been made possible through the sacrifices of others.
SLAMMING THE DOOR ON MY FAMILY
The most heartbreaking consequence of this situation is the profound impact it’s had on my family. My 80-year-old mom is battling Alzheimer’s, her memory rapidly deteriorating, and my brother, who is both physically and mentally disabled and nearly completely blind, continues to face challenges that limit his independence. With the money I invested, we were supposed to be working to create a safe and secure environment for them as they approach a time when they will no longer be able to care for themselves. Now, all of that is in jeopardy.
The effects on them have been especially severe given their unique vulnerabilities. Providing stability and security for them has always been my top priority, and I remain fully committed to rebuilding and securing their future. If you need a reminder, these are the people who are most affected by your actions.
It is their future that concerns me most. As their only advocate, it is my responsibility to protect them and ensure their well-being. When someone takes away another’s hard-earned savings, they are not simply stealing money—they are stealing trust, dreams, and security. I can face many challenges, but when it comes to threatening my family’s future, it tests my patience in ways that may be difficult to forgive.
After more than a year of no contact with my mom, you suddenly reach out, saying you hope they’re doing great. How do you think she’s really doing? She’s nearly 80 years old, taking care of my disabled brother and other family members. Still driving herself and my brother two hours to doctor’s appointments—something she shouldn’t be doing at her age. You say you miss them, but after not reaching out for over a year, it hardly reflects missing them. It feels more like complete neglect. You claim to think of them often, but what exactly are you thinking about? Is it about turning what was meant to be their apartment into your personal living space? I’m curious why you chose not to tell her that what was once meant to be their apartment is now becoming your own little house.
I can’t help but wonder what your purpose was in reaching out now—was it simply to remind them of everything they’ve lost? To me, it’s just a manipulation tactic. My mom responded with grace, but I may not have been as composed. I’m asking you not to reach out like that again.
DISINHERITED
In addition to the impact on my mom and brother, what about my kids? Together with Bridget, they were meant to inherit an equal share of our ranch—a legacy that will be significant in 20 to 30 years. Now, just like that, they’ve been excluded because you alone decided that my mistake was so great that you get to unilaterally determine their future inheritance. Can you help me understand how that’s fair to them?
Your claim that I have no right to recover the more than half a million dollars I invested, based on my dishonesty, is deeply unjust—especially in light of things I’ve recently learned about our relationship. No matter how you’ve chosen to portray me to others, you are not a victim. The truth has a way of revealing itself, as it has in many parts of this situation—and there is still more to come to light.
STOLEN VALOR: A LEGACY OF LIES
When I was helping you arrange your dad’s interment at Arlington, I discovered that he had never received a Purple Heart, let alone two, despite his long-standing claims. For decades, he maintained that he was awarded them during his service in Vietnam. However, it seems that this wasn’t the case. In response, you turned the situation around and accused me of lying about his service in an effort to discredit his military record. You even told the group that hosts wounded veterans from Combat Marine Outdoors at your dad’s ranch (Rancho las Tejanas) that I was smearing him. We both have his records, and anyone who wishes to verify the truth can do so.
You continue to uphold this falsehood because admitting the truth would require confronting the reality of your father’s deception, something that could potentially damage your reputation and sense of identity. By perpetuating this false legacy instead of honoring the truth, you not only disrespect the veterans who bled for their country but also undermine your own integrity.
“UN” FIDELIS
During our first trip to Florida, you told me the car we used was a rental, but it turns out that wasn’t the case at all. Whose car was it, and who were you meeting while we were there? For six years, I was unaware of these details—until now. Withholding the truth is just as impactful as telling a lie. It’s not about the lie itself, but about the truth you chose not to share.
Considering your past cheating history with George while you were married to Tim, it’s understandable why concerns might arise about whether something similar occurred in our relationship. Had I known anything about what happened in Florida, I would have walked away right then and there.
Over the past year, your actions—such as the rodeo and who you went with, along with the claim about the car on our ranch that supposedly belonged to Aileen’s boyfriend—turns out it was your boyfriend’s car. All of this raises questions. Honest people don’t betray trust, regardless of the circumstances.
Our relationship ended after five years, yet within days, you were already involved with someone new. You clearly struggle with maintaining commitment and trust, and while that may be your choice, it’s not one I share. I want no part in that pattern.
Even now, as you’re involved with someone, you still have pictures of us together on your Facebook.
Who does that? There’s no loyalty or faithfulness in that. Just more manipulation —designed to keep me emotionally engaged. What does your boyfriend think about you still having pictures of me on your Facebook? I can’t even imagine the lack of self-respect that guy must have to be okay with something like this.
Each time Mom sees those pictures, she gets confused, and we end up having the same conversation about how we’re not back together. As her memory fades, this keeps happening. Since it’s been over a year, perhaps it’s time to consider removing them.
FALLING SHORT: MY PERSONAL FAILURE
I take full accountability for lying to you about being married, and I deeply regret the pain that caused you. That’s the sole failure on my part in our relationship. At the time, I lacked the courage, responsibility and integrity to be honest, and that was a significant failure on my part—a regret I carry with me. I strive to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult, and in this case, I failed to do that.
Paint me however you want; label me, judge me, distort the story if you must. But know this-my heart is good, my intentions are pure, and my loyalty is unwavering. I stand firmly in who I am, regardless of how you and others may choose to misrepresent me.
I am genuine, steadfast, and true to my word. I don’t seek validation—I understand my worth and stand firmly in it. There was one thing we both shared: everything we did, we did for you. But make no mistake—you and I are not the same.
PASSING THE BLAME: AVOIDING ACCOUNTABILITY
While I value relationships over pride, I also understand that making mistakes is a part of being human, and it doesn’t diminish my self-worth. I recognize that acknowledging mistakes can be difficult for you, as admitting fault exposes vulnerability, and your ego prevents you from doing so. There are many things you should apologize for, but I’ve come to realize that will never happen, as you consistently avoided accountability. This is where we are today—you feel the need to save face. I don’t view you as a narcissist, but rather as someone who struggles with integrity and moral character. I’m not sure which is more troubling, but neither is good.
FORGIVING BETRAYAL: MY FAMILY’S GRACEFUL JOURNEY FORWARD
In time, we will be alright. While having my life savings taken and the home intended for my family used for your own selfish purposes is undoubtedly a major setback, we’ve endured greater hardships before—and we will rebuild. Caring for my family under these circumstances is a tremendous challenge, but their well-being will always be my priority. We’ve learned to adapt, draw strength from each other and focus on what truly matters—resilience in the face of betrayal. I have no regrets about leaving you behind. I only wish I had acted sooner—before you cost me over half a million dollars and shattered the trust I placed in you.
You took absolutely everything from us without hesitation while concealing your own duplicity over the years. No remorse. No shame for the impact it had on my mom and brother. The consequence of my dishonesty was the loss of your trust and the end of our relationship. Similarly, what I discovered about you has left me unable to trust you. I am at peace with that. You’ve kept the over half a million dollars I invested in our ranch, robbing my mother, brother, and children of their rightful security and inheritance. The unjust retributions—along with your actions toward your own family—expose your dishonesty and have no justification. Trying to destroy me didn’t fix you. It only turned you into someone who lacks integrity and morals. This, more than anything, is what I need to bring awareness to.
You may not face the consequences right away, but karma has a way of catching up in its own time. It’s a patient force, but when it strikes, it never misses and often arrives when least expected. Beyond karma or the universe balancing the scales, the good Lord will be the ultimate judge.
Enjoy your ill-gotten gains while they last, knowing that each time you set foot on that property, you do so at the expense of those you have exploited—most notably your mother, your family, and me, and by extension, my mother, my brother, and my children.
P127: Deep Dive Podcast – Betrayal, Family and Financial Ruin
Telling the truth in a public way doesn’t make me a villain—it exposes someone who built their image on deception. The moment I spoke up, you all came after me—not because I lied, but because I told the truth about someone you didn’t want to hear.
Every single one of you knows about me lying to Erin. She told you. But not one of you knew what she’s done to me, to my family, and even to her own family. She conveniently left that part out. You never asked. You never wanted to know. Spare me your fake outrage—because here’s the part you ignore: she lied to every single one of you too.
The real test of your moral values and integrity is what you tolerate when it doesn’t happen to you.
So go ahead—attack me if you need to. Defend your illusion if it helps you feel righteous. But don’t confuse your ignorance with the moral high ground. I know the truth. I’ve told you the truth. Right and wrong aren’t decided by volume—but by conscience.
Your angry words, rudeness and disrespect don’t mean a thing to me. I have seen what some of you people cheer for and it’s quite disturbing. It shows morality has become a spectacle, and cruelty a sport. When your voice celebrates what should bring shame, your judgment isn’t a reflection of me—but a mirror of everything you are. I know better than to seek validation from a crowd that has forgotten its own humanity.
Find your integrity and moral character—you’ll feel much differently once you do. I’d rather stand alone with my integrity than join the roar of a crowd that has lost its soul.
“All truths that are kept silent become poisonous.”
Nictzsche
© 2025 All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright law