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NoSoup · 04-12-2006, 02:12 PM

This just keeps getting better and better...

On Monday, my niece had an initial hearing to see if she could be (at least temporarily) released into her parent's custody. It was granted.

I went to the hearing, and she didn't look good. Her stepfather is at a cabin up north, and didn't even bother coming home - and still hasn't been home - since the whole thing happened. I called about visiting her, but they only allow the legal guardian in. Her mother was near me when I called, and overheard. She said that she would go and visit (This was on Saturday) but was too tired. So all of Saturday, as well as Sunday, her daughter was up there alone, without recieving so much as a phone call from her mother.

After she was released, I went over to my father's house to see how she was doing. Basically, she cried and said that she was incredibly sorry, was going to do her best never, ever to get into a situation like that again, etc. It ended with her hugging me and telling me that I was the best uncle she ever had. When we had talked about the events in question, I didn't come at her with accusations, I was more interested in understanding why she had done it, and how to prevent it.

Through the course of our conversation, she asked what happened next, I explained that there would be another hearing on Wednesday to decide what exactly she was being charged with, and then at least one more to see what she had to do to atone for her crimes. She then asked if I would go to all her hearings with her, I agreed, of course.

Anyway, her mother apparently caught wind that I had spoken to her about it - I hadn't realized that she hadn't, and I wasn't supposed to for some unknown reason. This morning, about three hours before the next hearing (my niece was in school yet) she called me up and told me that she didn't want me to be there. Apparently it had offended her that her daughter had thought to ask me rather than her to make sure to attend all her hearings.

So, I didn't go. I feel horrible. I don't think that when I talk to my niece I want to tell her that the reason I didn't go is because her mother wouldn't allow me in the courtroom - that would just damage their relationship more.

However, I don't want her to think that I abandoned her, just like everyone else, either.

Perhaps I should tell a little white lie about having a flat tire or something...

04-12-2006, 02:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
NoSoup Non-Rookie Location: Green Bay, WI	This just keeps getting better and better... On Monday, my niece had an initial hearing to see if she could be (at least temporarily) released into her parent's custody. It was granted. I went to the hearing, and she didn't look good. Her stepfather is at a cabin up north, and didn't even bother coming home - and still hasn't been home - since the whole thing happened. I called about visiting her, but they only allow the legal guardian in. Her mother was near me when I called, and overheard. She said that she would go and visit (This was on Saturday) but was too tired. So all of Saturday, as well as Sunday, her daughter was up there alone, without recieving so much as a phone call from her mother. After she was released, I went over to my father's house to see how she was doing. Basically, she cried and said that she was incredibly sorry, was going to do her best never, ever to get into a situation like that again, etc. It ended with her hugging me and telling me that I was the best uncle she ever had. When we had talked about the events in question, I didn't come at her with accusations, I was more interested in understanding why she had done it, and how to prevent it. Through the course of our conversation, she asked what happened next, I explained that there would be another hearing on Wednesday to decide what exactly she was being charged with, and then at least one more to see what she had to do to atone for her crimes. She then asked if I would go to all her hearings with her, I agreed, of course. Anyway, her mother apparently caught wind that I had spoken to her about it - I hadn't realized that she hadn't, and I wasn't supposed to for some unknown reason. This morning, about three hours before the next hearing (my niece was in school yet) she called me up and told me that she didn't want me to be there. Apparently it had offended her that her daughter had thought to ask me rather than her to make sure to attend all her hearings. So, I didn't go. I feel horrible. I don't think that when I talk to my niece I want to tell her that the reason I didn't go is because her mother wouldn't allow me in the courtroom - that would just damage their relationship more. However, I don't want her to think that I abandoned her, just like everyone else, either. Perhaps I should tell a little white lie about having a flat tire or something... __________________ I have an aura of reliability and good judgement. Just in case you were wondering...