Don't know if anyone still remembers me here (SunnyD, LynnG, and some other oldies?) but this most recent change is the culmination of many years of documenting, arguing, coaxing.... all the sweat and tears has finally paid off and OC will begin a new (stable) journey as a permanent part of our recovering family!
The straw that broke the camel's back? OC brought a small shooter of rum (opened, but mostly full) to kindergarten class yesterday that she picked up at OW's house. This, on top of countless tardies and unexcused absences while in OW's care, was the final blow for OC's elementary school. We finally have the full support and cooperation of OC's teacher and principal.
We have, for years, argued with OW about the quality of care OC receives while with her mother - all the while fighting with the court system to retain appropriate visitation and provide fair figure for child support. We were told every step of the way (by lawyers, doctors, pediatric psychologists) that we would never gain custody unless we could prove OW was unfit and even then our chances were slim to none. We have been biding our time waiting for OW to screw up in a big way, but even I was shocked when OC showed up to school with liquor. The poor girl was terrified, she didn't understand why she was in trouble or what was so bad about the "cute bottle with a pirate ship". She was hysterical when we picked her up from school.
OW finally realizes that we will provide a safer, more stable life for OC and understands that with all of the mistakes she's made, all the times she put her needs ahead of OC's and all of the documentation we have to support this, no court in the state would leave OC in her care.
On Monday, we will implement the new schedule (with us Mon-Fri, with OW every weekend) and close the book on what has been the most challenging, emotionally draining, and stressful situation our marriage has ever faced. OW is signing the paperwork this Sunday and it will be filed first thing Monday morning. OC will be safe, fed, bathed, and nurtured everyday from this day forward along with her siblings in our home. A true family, at last!
AVNL
(aka aVictimNoLonger)
Dday Jan. 1st 2000
OC born Aug. 31st 2000, 5 yrs
Mine: Son 10 yrs
Ours: Daughter 5 yrs, Son 4 yrs
Married September 24, 1999
No one thought we would make it together....we sure showed them! Seven years together and I've never been happier in my marriage as I am right this moment!
Last edited by victimnolonger; 02/22/06 09:00 PM.
