We made it through another day. Some of the normal parts of our day included spending time at the Special Olympics track meet in Brandon. I'll post pictures later. In the evening, Steve planted grass in our front yard so hopefully by the end of the summer we won't just have a big dirt patch anymore.
My dog just came in to tell me good morning. No matter how bad it is, he always makes me feel a little better.
Right now, we have one of our children who isn't living with us. It's probably temporary but we really don't know the outcome yet. Some really bad choices were made by children and we're trying to figure out what to do next. We're trying to focus on what's best for everyone: our children, our family, other children. We're just not sure exactly what that looks like yet. There are others outside of our family involved in figuring that out, including at least three therapists, key people at the school and a police detective. Everyone is safe and we're moving forward, but because of the choices kids' made, some things may ultimately be out of our hands. We really don't know yet.
One of the first things I did immediately following the incident, after calling my friend and then trying to reach our main therapist, was to contact our attorney. In any incident regarding children, I HIGHLY recommend retaining an attorney as the first step, even if you haven't done anything wrong and don't want to spend the money. It was a lesson we learned much to late in our last go-around with social services.
An attorney has a knowledge of the law, they are bound by attorney/client privilege and they are not a mandated reporter. We trust our lawyer completely. Not only did he help us through the last major incident with our kids, he is my cousin.
In the past, we've always tried to look after the best interest of our children but weren't sure exactly what to do or who to contact. This time, even though the incident didn't involve Steve or I, it still involved our kids. So I called our awesome attorney and he drafted a letter stating that the Wilkins children are not to be questioned or contacted without us or our lawyer present. He sent it to the head of social services and the states attorney. I now have a copy of that letter in my possession so that my already traumatized kids CANNOT be re-traumatized by social services like they were in that last go-around involving Anthony.
So rest assured, I've taken the necessary steps to protect my kids this time. This week, the kids will be in Sioux Falls for lots of appointments, as will I. I'm hoping we know something more by next week. No guarantees though. It will, in part, depend on what happens with/in the interviews and sessions this week.
I told you I would I would try to share as much as I could and I will continue to do so.
PS to Val: Definite YES to coffee! Text me. This week's super busy but I'll make time for you!!!
PS to Nan: Thanks for the other day. I think it was necessary for both of us! Sticking with me through the good/bad/ugly. And I hope you know I do the same for you!!!
PS to Jess: You remember the hard, hard stuff and this week especially is gut wrenching for our family. Awful kids' stuff and then suicide in the same time frame. You were in the thick of things before and I just want to thank you for your continued prayers and support!!!
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