A Decision
770 Words
The Judge returned to the court room with Emma and Jacob. The court was ordered back in session. The judge asked if there was anyone that could take Emma and Jacob for a soda. Crystal's lawyer told him that their Great Aunt Christina was able to take them for a soda.
Once the children were out of the court room, the judge asked Janice's lawyer if they had anything to say. Yes sir we do. Eight years ago Janice made the hardest decision she has ever had to make. Jobless and homeless she took her children to stay with her Step Mother. Her step mother said she would keep them for as long as Janice needed her to. Janice had not planned on being away for so long but she was trying to get her life straight which include a short time in a rehabililtation center. Your honor she tried calling and sending letters but apparantly the children never received her messages.
Crystal leaned over and whispered something to her lawyer. She reached in her purse and handed her lawyer a box. The lawyer read what was in it. When the judge asked them if they had anything to say, the lawyer stood up and said, your honor, truth is that Janice had not spoken to her step mother in several months before she dropped her children off on her doorstep. She did not stay to ensure they got in the house safely. She told them she was going to the store and handed them a gift to give their Nana. When Crystal opened the box she found a pin that said I love You and a note that read, Crystal - I am so sorry to do this to you but I can no longer care for Emma and Jacob. I need to find myself. I am leaving them with you because I know you will love them as you loved me.
The judge asked both lawyers to approach the bench. He took the box and read the letter. He showed it to Janice's lawyer. The lawyers returned to their council's table. The judge asked Janice's lawyer if she would like to revise her statement. Yes your honor, Ms. Woods did give the present and letter to the children to give to Crystal.
The judge asked Crystal's lawyer if they had anything to add. Yes your honor. Ms. Janice Woods dropped her children off not knowing if my client would be able to or would want to care for her children and left. There has not been any proof that she tried to contact her children over the last eight years. My client has had to care for them in sickness and health. She has provided them with a loving and nurturing environment. She made sure to go through the courts for custody so she could ensure that their every need would be met. As he held up a file, he further elaborated that a licensed investigator had found that she had not held a steady job in the last nine years, had maintained a live in relationship with a known d**g trafficker, she had been arrested herself for d**g possession, and most recently an investigation had been launched to show that she committed fraud by filing for government assistance claiming the children as her dependents.
The judge sat there for a few seconds thinking about all he had heard. Mrs. Woods I must applaud you for stepping up and taking care of your grandchildren. The number of grandparents currently raising their grandchildren is unbelievable. Ms. Janice Woods the only motherly thing you have ever done in my opinion is leave your kids with Mrs. Woods where they would be loved and properly cared for. Emma and Jacob are at the age where I must take their wishes in to consideration. Ms. Janice Woods they do not know you. From what I could tell, they have not been poisoned against you. In fact, I found that your stepmother has tried to make excuses for you. They have asked not to be removed from their grandmother's care. Ms. Janice Woods, I would love to help you establish a relationship with your children. However, in good conscience I can not. You have not proven to the court that you are able to be a positive and a stable influence on the children. In a few years they will be old enough to make decisions for themselves. My advice to you would be to get your act together and try to reach out to them once they have reached adulthood. The original custody ruling stands. Court adjourned.
- Writer
