Wednesday, March 12, 2008

A kiss on the cheek.....


My Monday act of random kindness this week was on Monday but it wasn’t random. I had been sorting out things in my closet, attempting to free up some room. I came across a top that I had purchased nearly two years ago on sale. It was either marked wrong or ran small for the size it claimed to be, as it didn’t fit. I hung it in my closet, complete with tags, thinking that I would exchange it. Soon it slipped my mind and there it hung. As I now looked at it I thought of a woman that I work near who is about the size of the garment. I decided to offer it to her.

I gave it to her on Monday, complete with tags, and with no strings attached as far as owing me anything….it is a gift. I could not have been repaid any better than what transpired right after. She became misty eyed while looking at the top and then leaned over and whispered in my ear that I was an answer to a prayer. She stated she had prayed on Sunday and asked if she could have something new for herself as money was tight and she was tired of buying used clothing….and on Monday I gave her the top. I felt like I had been kissed on the cheek by God for a job well done. What a wonderful feeling.

I guess I shouldn’t hide behind the excuses that my sporadic posts are the fault of being too busy or working too hard. In reality, we are having family problems. Sometimes I just feel so overwhelmed that I don’t want to read or write anything. Other times I’m so upset and can’t even think of a post. I want to keep things upbeat, but unfortunately our lives are not always upbeat. My son and granddaughter have been here living with me since last July and things are getting a bit strained all on their own, but add to the mixture an ex (mother of my granddaughter) who has gotten the family courts involved in our lives and the stress level tops out. She’s had her children taken away due to neglect and even though she did not have physical custody of my granddaughter, she shares custody of her on paper, so the child has to be included in the petition to remove. The children directly involved are the ones she had AFTER my granddaughter and have a different father. My granddaughter does not live with her, she lives here with her father and this is where she still is. Her half siblings are in the care of the State right now.

We have been up to our ears in case workers, protective service workers, interviews, home visits every two weeks and now being forced to take the child twenty some miles one way for supervised visitation every week. All this has just about done me in, I am so angry. My son would like his ex to give up her parental rights and this court case coming up may put that in motion.

All the paperwork and the waiting and the miscommunication between agencies is mind-boggling. So, there you have it…now you know why I haven’t been posting as regular as I’d like. Hopefully, this will be over soon. My son is attempting to retain an attorney at this time.

7 comments:

fiwa said...

Oh Val, your monday act of kindness (let's just take the random out of it, who needs it anyway?) made me tear up. That is the best story I have heard in a long time, and I'm going to treasure it. See, not only did you perform an act of kindness for that lady, but for everyone who reads this. I love it.

I'm so sorry to hear about your family troubles. I don't think you should worry about trying to keep it upbeat - you write this for you - right? Write what you need to write about. Besides, sharing troubles makes them lighter, doncha know? And besides, those of us who are inclined can send up a prayer in your name.

love you -
fiwa

SOUL said...

wow-- what a mess. i hate to hear about stuff like this. custody of my niece was a huge issue-- and at times quite frightening for years .. i wasn't for a lot of it-- but sort of the same arrangement-- my bro and she lived with my mom... but the fear of the mom showing up and causing trouble was always there. it was tough for them.
i hope this is over for you all very soon.. and in your favor of course.
it is no way to live--- especially for the little girl.

anyhow-- always love it when a good deed is returned like that--- timing is everything.. sometimes.
good for you.

happy humpday-

Maria said...

You have some lovely karma in place there...and maybe you will get it returned to you soon. I hope so, anyway. I am so sorry for your troubles. Keep your chin up. Fingers crossed.

Moohaa said...

First I'm so glad you listened to God and answered that woman's prayer. How lovely to be involved in God's work.

Second, I'm so sorry things are so rough. I can understand being upset. Know we love you and your blog no matter the content. Nobody's lives are happy all the time and it's stupid to think so.

Many hugs and prayers coming your way. Let's hope your prayers are the next to be answered.

Anonymous said...

those are messy...and those miscommunication, waiting and paperwork are not only at agencies....they happen everywhere else as well!

boneman said...

Sometimes the stupid computer doesn't even write what I tell it.
I'm not kidding.
Danged thing.
And I get wordy sometimes....
I did just a moment ago, but, dang, I looked up and there wasn't a word on the screen.
HA!

So, that works good for commenting with.
Pay attention to your home and your life, gal. Nothing is more important than your well being, and if blogging gets in the way of that, you should crank it back a bit. Do what you need to do to be happy.

Now, if that's blogging, well, your home family has to respect that. But don't sacrifice reality for words on a computer screen.
It ain't the same.

Jamie said...

Oh darlin, and i have been so wrapped up in my own problems, I am just now reading this post!

You must surely be going through hell, as anyone wanting to take your child would be just that. I am so sorry that you are having to go through all of this. I feel certain that you and your son will be the winners in all of this, but sadly, anytime a child is involved in this sort of thing, they are the losers. I know you will do everything in your power to keep that to a minimum...and I am so sorry. It will all work out, you just wait and see.

I know these things. :)

I am a good listener if you ever want to chat or email...