What an emotional ride we took last weekend! First, there was the "TRIAL" on Friday, August 21st. I had just decided the week before to hire an attorney (not that I could afford one, but it was something I needed to do). Diane was recommended by my friend Terry and social worker Carole. It was the best decision I could have made! Of course the outcome may have been the same, but she was amazing and I was so glad she was on my side! The judge ruled against sending Bryce to Tennessee, but ok'ed visits while they were in town. We had two. Before I had them, we took a day trip to San Diego to visit Zach and his daddies!
The first visit Sister came with me. It was awkward and not as "friendly"-in terms of chatting as the previous visits, but that was okay. Everyone was very civil. Bryce was scared, but okay when he knew I would be around. The parents and two kids spent a little over an hour playing with Bryce. The next day, step-grandmother (who testified at the hearing) joined them. Poor Bryce was being followed by 3 adults, 2 kids, and cameras! He made it through and so did I. Thank goodness my friend Christina met me at the park with her daughter, so I had someone to talk with while the visit took place. At the end the step-grandmother gave me two letters and the Tennessee mother gave Bryce a photo book. One letter was for Bryce when he wanted to know about his family. There other was a letter to me. Part angry, disappointed, a little guilt driven, and then hoping that I will keep the adoption open, which I had intended to with his mom.
So maybe they are not going to keep fighting the decision. There is a court date September 15th for termination of rights. It's a biggie and I plan to be there. I know Bryce has family, but looking into his eyes, I can't see him making another change right now. He is still so scared of being taken away right now, and has anxiety issues that I don't know how he would recover if they had shipped him to Tennessee. Luckily, he won't have to deal with that and he will know his biological family too. He should know there are lots of people that love him.
FRIDAY 8/21/09
"Celebrating" that the trial was over @ Cheesecake Factory!
Auntie Romy and Daniel...
Sister Julia and mommy...
Yes, another piece of red velvet cheese cake!
SATURDAY 8/22/09
Hanging out at Zach's new home in San Diego ...
Sharing Zach's water table...
Posing with Zach's daddies while he takes a nap...
Group photo in that beautiful, peaceful yard!
Daniel at the bar...
Dinner in Old Town San Diego...
Group shot at dinner...
SUNDAY 8/23/09
Dim Sum with Frances the next morning...
Sister didn't eat, but she can smile!
MONDAY 8/24/09
Giving Allison a big hug for supporting us
during the visit in the park!
Thank you Christina for meeting us at the park!
We went to Allison's house afterwards and
she called out Bryce's name so many times
that he learned to say his name!
"I can say my name now!"
Thanks Allie!
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