For the Love of a Child...
I will not be available to take calls this morning during my normal times, however will sign in later today--most likely around noon time. I am taking the morning off to lean some support to a dear friend as she makes yet another court appearance in the custody struggle for her 22 month old great-niece.
My friend and her husband have been taking care of this little girl for the past 18 months; before that other family members had her. The mother is unable to care for her due to several reasons--I am a kind person so I will leave it at that. Even though the mother has yet to make a visitation, call to check up on her daughter, offer anything in the way of financial assistance, or even make inquiries through other family members--she continues to show up in the court each appearance with "reasons" why she has not attempted to contact her daughter or make court appointed visits.
The courts have given her every chance to work with this family--but for reasons only known to herself & God, she has basically abandoned this child but without giving up legal rights. And in this past month, development tests have revealed that the child has several "disorders" and will require a minimum of 6 hours per week in thearpy, and another 6 one-on-one with her caregivers. These disorders stem from things that her mother engaged in while she was but in the womb.
Naturally, my friend is prepared to do whatever it takes to give this little girl every opportunity to overcome any challenges and even though money is now tight at their home (they have 3 others of their own) they have love in abundance.
Now, comes today...yet another "status check" in a long line of hearings prior to the actual trial to grant permanent custody to my friend; emotions run high in cases like this. Especially with the new discovery of the child's 'special needs'. My role for today is to ensure that my friend keeps a cool head about herself, detachs from taunts & others irrational behaviors, and continues to present to the court what a loving wonderful caregiver she is.
Today's lunar eclipse is sure to increase the emotional atomsphere--Lord, let's pray we do not have any "Jerry Springer" moments in the courtroom/house today! Please keep this family and child in your thoughts & prayers this morning...I have already "read" the case; and the final outcome looks good...down the road. But that doesn't ease my friend's worries & anxieties.
Thanks for listening to me ramble this morning...
I will be tentatively be available today from Noon - 3 p.m. AND 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. CST w/short breaks. If I am not signed in promptly at the scheduled time or on a break, please use the CallBack feature to ensure we connect.
I look forward to sharing blessings with you today...
Melody "Lil Mel"