Thursday, September 29, 2011

a surprise ruling



Tuesday in court was crazy. I mean, super crazy. There was a lot of emotion and drama including even a trip to the emergency room. And when the day was through the judge surprised us all with a ruling that was not even mentioned as a possibility. He awarded us full custody of Alfredo.

You can only imagine how this ruling has made this family of ours, which has felt fragile in the best of times, now so much more solid and secure. We'll possibly be returning to court through the years as circumstances change for parties involved but we continue to pray that the best interest of Alfredo is always evident and clear.

His mother, who has had only supervised visits since Alfredo was first brought into our care, was awarded visitation. We have the right to monitor the visitation for appropriateness. Starting December 1, but more likely when Alfredo is ready, opens the possibility of overnight visits.

The one person who really lost in all of this is Alfredo's father. He made the hard choice to not appear in court nor did he have representation. The judge read this as disinterest. As a result, Alfredo's father lost his part of the custody. What's interesting (and what we had only just learned the morning of the case) is that he was planning to have Alfredo return to California full time as soon as possible.

Of course, we'll continue to keep Alfredo's father and his family as involved as they wish to be in his life. As long as we're welcome, we'll continue our visits to California so that he may grow up knowing their love.

Thank you so much for all of the prayers you've wrapped around our little family. Rich and I sat in the car the morning of the case and prayed to feel God's arms around us, to know that we are not alone. We prayed that we would act with dignity and be guided by Faith, not fear.

(source for image)

59 comments:

Lucy said...

So pleased for you!
Hugs Lucy

Brenda said...

Praise our Lord! I'm so thankful for you and your family.

Tracey Fisher said...

Congratulations Amy! I can only imagine the stress you have been under. I hope this fall is now filled with great joy for you and your family.

vivian said...

oh amy... Im just so relieved and happy for you. I knew it would go well. You have a perfect outlook about the future and a wonderful faith to see you through!
god bless!!!!!!
xoxoxo

Shelly said...

So happy for you! Such a great outcome... can't wait to meet the rest of your sweet family one of these days. Congratulations!

Ashley said...

Oh that is wonderful! So happy for you guys!

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

Hallelujah!! Thank God for a judge who had the wisdom to do what is best for Alfredo!

Kathryn said...

This is great news! So glad for Alfredo, you and Rich.

Danee said...

I'm so thrilled for you. I'm a pediatric nurse practitioner and I've seen more than one case that doesn't end in the best interests of the child. In fact even this morning the news programs are reporting the horrible condition of the home Susan Powells children are living in with their father and his family. It doesn't always end so well….I am so thrilled to see the system does work sometimes. Enjoy every moment….the tween years aren't nearly as fun as the younger years; they are full of much more worry and fear and the outside ugliness in the world is a constant battle.

Holly Abston said...

Amy, I commented on facebook, but I have to say it here too, this is a huge blessing! I am over the moon for you and your family. Prayers answered, for sure! Praise God!

Debby said...

What wonderful news. What alot of people don't realize is that not always does the ruling go in the best interest of the child. So many courts end up thinking that the child should be with biological parents. I felt so helpless when it came to our son. I always thought the judge would see that it was the best thing for our son. Luckily our social worker made the choice for him to be with us. So I am thrilled for you and that sweet boy. You will show him your love and unselfishness to let his biological family know and love him. God is good.

Anonymous said...

So pleased to hear the news. So very pleased. The most important person in all of this is sweet Alfredo and I do believe his best interests were held dear by the court and by his sweet parents.

I know I never felt God's love as intensely as when we were sitting outside the court room waiting for the Judge's decision in awarding us our Joseph. I knew with that feeling that no matter the out come it would be all right.

hugs,
Anne Washington
annebirdwashingtonatyahoo

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL NEWS! I was praying for you all and for the judge's decision to be what is best for Alfredo. God is faithful! I am so very happy for you and your family, Amy. YEA!!!
Robin

Jennifer Hepler-Takens said...

I watched all day for your update! I am so happy for your Family

Anonymous said...

Sweet Amy, there are no words! Well, maybe a few: Yaaay! Joy! A treasured boy...is home for good.

xo

Barbara H. said...

Wow! What a blessing!

Jane said...

Such wonderful news, Amy! Amen to the other commenters - so good to hear that the judge considered what's best for Alfredo! I'm happy that you'll continue keeping up with his father too. Hard to imagine how stressful this has all been for you - time for a celebration of the power of Love!
Jane-Jacksonville

Anonymous said...

Amy dear, I feel so strongly, in my heart and soul, that Alfredo is meant to be with you and Rich. You have provided such a nurturing, loving, secure and constant environment for your little guy. The wise judge could see this and ruled accordingly. I am so happy with the outcome! Blessing to you! ~Dori

Unknown said...

Amy,
You have been so much on my mind. I was so happy to read your post. God is so good, and the ruling is a lovely gift to you both. I am so happy to learn that Alfredo can stay in your loving home. You are a wonderful family.
Karen

Lorrie said...

This wonderful, wonderful news brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart! Thanks be to God!

Anonymous said...

Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray for you! I just knew it would called for you to keep Alfredo in your loving arms! Hip Hip Hooray!

Kim-NJ

Anonymous said...

Amy-
I had goosebumps as I read this good news. God IS great!!!


all the best-
Tracy

Amy M. said...

How amazing! I am so so happy for all of you! God is good.


-Amy
Crafting by Candlelight

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for all of you! Enjoy your beautiful life with Alfredo.

Cherie Wilson said...

No words.....just some happy tears here. Amazing, more than we could ever imagine or believe, answers to your faithfulness. My peeps have been asking.....I will share the goodnews! XO

rebecca said...

I have been checking back to see what happened. I am SO thrilled for you guys!

Heidi said...

God is watching over Alfredo...it's in YOUR care that God legally placed him. For reasons you may never know, this is your joy to know you will always be A's precious mother and father. Hugs, Heidi

Our Heavenly Father always wants what's best for His children.

tracey said...

So very happy for all of you!!!!!!

jknapp00 said...

I love to see God at work! You and Rich and Alfredo belong together. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you. Oh - and I hope the emergency room visit wasn't anything too serious.

Katie R said...

:) God is good.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. Happy Family.

cindie said...

Praising God right along with you. I have been following your story for the past few years and love that you have given this sweet child stability and love. So happy that the Judge saw that as well.
God is so good...so happy that you truly now are a family!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Amy! What news!

Julie said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...♥

Judy said...

Such wonderful news!
You three are a blessing.

mIzZ (hONeY) bEe aka Marlene said...

Amy, when I saw you hold Alfredo & the glow that came from your face, not only on your face but his tiny face too...I felt a sense of calm & I knew that God was with you every step of the way...I am so happy for you...God is good... tell Alfredo the next time I see him I will be better at cracking an egg on his head... Sending you, Rich & Alfredo love, happiness & many many more blessings in Jesus' name Amen Love, Marlene ;O) xox

Heather Ales said...

Oh Amy, dearest Amy! I am sitting here with tears - REAL TEARS - running down my face for you! The Lord has heard our prayers and knew (and continues to know) the yearnings of you heart! How blessed we ALL are to have you in our lives, but none more than Alfredo and Rich. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us!

Mitzi Curi said...

That's the most wonderful news! Thank God for that judge.....

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

The judge made a wise decision. Alfredo is blessed to have you and Rich raising him, Amy. Please take the time to relax and take it easy now because the stress and anxiety you must have been feeling lately must be terrible. I am so very happy for you.

Fiona said...

what wonderful news...
the power of prayer!! and wonderful parenting!

Jill said...

I'm so happy for your sweet family... congratulations!!
Hugs,
Jill

OfficeTYPE said...

Wow, Amy - I am so happy for your little family. Congratulations!

Linda Jo said...

Ohhhh! I am soooooooo happy for you all. Praise the Lord!!!

Whosyergurl said...

Oh, Amy. I am so very happy for you, for Rich and espeically for Alfredo. I prayed that you would have angels all around. And I am so happy that you are an angel to include Alfredo's father and family and to work with the birth mother. You are blessed and you are a huge blessing to others.
xo, Cheryl

Kris and Evie said...

Doing a happy praise dance here with you!!!! Wonderful news.

Anonymous said...

Oh, happy day. What a blessing.
Heidi

malia said...

i know we don't "know" each other but i am so happy for your family and especially alfredo ( -:

Baxter's Mom said...

So, so Happy for you and your family!!!!!

kandeland said...

How wonderful Amy!!! So thrilled for you! Somehow it doesn't surprise me that this all worked out the way it did! what a happy day! xoxo

Tina said...

I'm running behind in blog reading--- and have to tell you when I read this post I gasped out loud. What wonderful news. Your path at the moment winds through a garden with luscious fruit trees and gentle sunshine. I'm wonderfully happy for you! HUGS!

Seitvonzu said...

oh what a beautiful outcome! i've been away this past week and just saw this-- i'm SO happy for your little family. alfredo is definitely the winner here-- what a love story!

Anastasia said...

im so happy for you and Rich and Alfredo too!! great news!

Laurie said...

I'm so happy for you!

The Mishief Maker Moo Ha Ha said...

I too am crying tears of absolute joy for you and your gorgeous family! My son is the same age as yours and I found your blog when your family was all newly unfolding many years ago. I have shared your ups and downs and am so incredibly happy for you! I have never been much of a religious person but I believe in your god and he is really looking out for you all at the moment!

Suz said...

Amy,
I am sp relieved t0 see this. Love to your beautiful family.

Suz

Diana said...

Oh Amy this is super great news! We met only briefly at Art Is You in Petaluma last month when you shared your anxiety over the impending court appearance and custody battle for dear Alfredo. God has blessed you and knows that Alfredo will continue to flourish in your loving care. Congratulations! I know life is looking all shiny and new for you all.
Hugs
Diana Frey

carikraft said...

Amy, Alfredo is right where he needs to be, with you and Rich as his sturdy foundation of love. Prayers to your little family for continued good fortune and togetherness!

smooches!

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post, Amy. Your support of Alfredo's relationship with his birth parents and your strong Faith in the power of prayer are heartwarming! blessings!

Carrie said...

Congratulations Amy! I can only imagine the stress you have been under. I hope this fall is now filled with great joy for you and your family.