Heidi on her first trip to the ocean.
Halloween was last night and we took Jack trick or treating. He was blown away by the concept of going door to door and people just giving him candy. People were surprised and pleased by his thank yous. I was surprised at how well he did as he didn't have a nap yesterday.
We visited aunt Katie in the morning, had lunch out at the mall and then came home, hoping he would sleep but that didn't happen. I tried laying down with him in the hopes that he would fall asleep but that didn't happen. Then he got very grumpy, like a grumpy grizzly bear I told him. A couple of our friends dropped by for a quick visit. Jack had diarrhea a couple of times which involved a quick bath mid visit while our friends were over and then felt much better. In fact he felt so good he climbed all over our friend, also named Jack, and had a great time.
It's cold now but still no snow which is lovely. The sun is shining and some trees still have a few gold colored leaves hanging on. This afternoon we have a meeting with the social worker, Gracie and her mom and us about Jack and what's going to happen in the future. The social worker thinks Jack needs to live with us for an extended period of time until Gracie can get it together, stay sober and take some parenting courses. She supports our application for guardianship which I've now filled out and just need to get the application to the court.
We found out in our meeting with the social worker on Friday, that half a dozen people called the police about Gracie assaulting Jack and that they have it on CCTV as well. I'm so thankful so many people stepped up to intervene on his behalf. There are still good people in the world. That court case still has to proceed and I have no idea what will happen. Gracie seems to still be in denial about what happened but it's hard to argue with video tape.
Jack is doing well. His language skills are exploding and this morning he said good morning to his teacher Punita. She smiled and said to me, "OMG he called me Punita!" He is a charmer.
I start back to work tomorrow which I am a little nervous about, trying to fit everything into the day but I'll play it by ear. As I sit here typing I can see the chickadees in the pear tree, pecking away at the few pears that stayed on the tree. A movement out of the kitchen window caught my eye and a gust of wind just brought down a bunch of leaves off the poplar. It's the natural world that keeps me grounded and I need to remember that.
Your photographs are beautiful as always. I must admit the idea of Jack living with you for a stretch, and your petition for guardianship, makes me exhale. With you, he feels, and is, safe.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Gracie at least has the sense to support your application for guardianship. You can sense how much more settled Jack is already! Thank god for wonderful grandparents like you!
ReplyDeleteI wonder about jail time. She committed assault - does she get to walk on that because she was drunk? Hopefully Jack will be with you for awhile and she will clean up her act.
ReplyDeleteYour forest is quite lovely this time of year. Heidi at the ocean is also lovely.
So glad to read that you will have Jack long term and that the social worker is backing you up with your application for guardianship!
ReplyDeleteYou needed the positive steps being taken!
Your top picture of Heidi is very good.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased to hear that things are proceeding sensibly in relation to Jack and his future. I wasn't sure if you meant the social worker or Gracie when you said, "She supports our application for guardianship". Best wishes for a good day back at work tomorrow.
I guess that since you can't control Gracie or what she does or does not do in this situation, the only thing you can do is to stay in touch with your own self, your heart, and yes, stay connected with nature as much as possible. And play things by ear, as you said. There are so many of us out here who are so glad that Jack is safe and being loved and cared for and are in awe of you and your husband for taking this on. You really are amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou have so much support among your readers, but we can’t be there to do the heavy lifting, more’s the pity. I hope you can keep seeing the wonderful influence you have on Jack…his vocabulary increases because you both talk to him & listen to his ideas & opinions. He is polite because he is treated with consideration, and he engages with visitors because you entertain your friends with thoughtful hospitality.
ReplyDeleteThere is no better place for him to be. I hope that you remain healthy, energetic, well…just yourselves…because that is clearly what Jack needs, and what will ease your heart during this unbelievably difficult time. May you be held in the light..
I love both the photos in this entry, but especially the bottom one ... it makes me want to be there, so badly! Beautiful. You do have a great eye. -Kate
ReplyDeleteGood stuff going on in the midst of pain. I'm so glad Gracie is being agreeable.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that Jack enjoyed Halloween and is thriving. The news sounds positive for the most part. I'm sure it's a relief to everyone that he is now safe and cared for.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos today! I'm glad Jack had a good Halloween. Trick-or-treating must seem mystifying to a small child.
ReplyDeleteWhen all else fails, there is Nature in its astounding glory.
ReplyDeleteNature always brings me back to Center too. I'm so Thankful you have a good supportive Social Worker and Guardianship is likely to be approved long term. I think perhaps the substance abuse isn't the only thing going on with Gracie, are they going to evaluate her Mental Health also? I'm so sorry to hear the little Guy was assaulted while she was under the influence, but glad it's on videotape. So much abuse is never seen or proven.
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