Not long ago I had to make a
somewhat emergency drive to Kentucky after my former spouse put her hands on
our daughter in a drunken rage. She was later arrested and jailed for the
remainder of that day. The following day I spoke with several officers about
her and the arrest. After getting back home I emailed her and told her in light
of recent events I feel it was best if my sons moved with me. I offered her a
peaceful solution to which, true to form it was not received well.
I
contacted my Attorney and had her file a motion seeking physical custody of our
sons. I contacted her again asking to do it without court and peacefully which
it would all be settled prior to Madison’s graduation the end of May. But
naturally, that wasn’t going to happen. So a court date was set for 10 July. I
drove up on the 9th and the next day we were walking down the side
walk into court when I got a call from my attorney telling me that my former
spouse had called and said she was in the ER in Bowling Green. So there would
be no court and I’d have to drive back to Georgia with nothing resolved. A new
date of the 17th of July was given and I’d have to drive back up
once again hoping she would show up. I don’t believe she knew I was coming but
I did. And around 0920 we finally went into the court room. I hadn’t been in
there since June of 2011.
My
Attorney informed the judge of the motion and that I was simply seeking physical
custody since the boys were both teenagers and desired to live with me. The
judge was pleasant and simply told Jennifer that teenage boys typically need
their fathers during those years and that it wasn’t personal. So that was that.
He ruled that I was to be the physical custodian and my goal and promise to my
kids of not pointing fingers and bring up all the dirt was met.
So
Things have come full circle for me and my life. I will continue to operate as
I have since 2009 when all this started. I will take my family to counseling so
that my kids can talk through whatever anger and feelings they have had inside
of them since this all started. This will also give them a safe environment to
ask questions and seek answers and acknowledgement of actions that have taken
place between their mother and I over the past 6 years. So again, I will assist
them in moving forward and the healing process by doing what they need and putting
those needs at the forefront. It feels good to go to the gym with them and
workout. It’s nice having my son helping me mow the lawn or take the garbage to
the curb. My son has a job which I’m super proud of him and what he’s doing for
himself. Madison starts college in the fall and she is super excited. They are
all well and have adjusted to their new lives here in Georgia.
What I
have learned from all this is doing the right thing, maintaining the moral high
ground and putting the needs of others no matter how uncomfortable it maybe or unhealthy
you have to allow things to play out
because with patience and perseverance…you can succeed.
