What NOW?!

I was prepared and calm about going to court yesterday with Sister, again. This date was the second try for this hearing as the original date during Spring break had been postponed because her ex no longer had an attorney to represent him.

Yesterday, just a half hour before we were scheduled for the hearing, her attorney called and told her it was put off again, three more weeks. But this time, it sounds like the people involved--attorneys, guardian ad litem, counselors--are pushing a little harder for some actual change.

I have since quit expecting any action to be taken, but I always hope, for her sake.

Why to things have to take so long when there are people, especially children, who have their health, mental wellness and emotional well being hanging in the balance? Why does the system move so slowly? Why doesn't the system really show its teeth when the action has been requested?

This two and a half year process is perpetually irritating to me. I become physically ill when I go to these hearings with her. There is so much contention in that room, I can barely stand it. I also feel the sense of deception from her ex as he tries to persuade and manipulate the courts system to his way of thinking. This situation is wrong. Why can't the powers that be see that!? And why won't they look at what this is doing to the kids involved? These boys are not getting the help they really need to deal with their new circumstances.

I wish I could just grab the commissioner and shake him and ask him these questions. So far, no answers. I do see the toll it takes on my sister and my family. Yesterday morning, in fact, The Boy was saying our morning family prayer ans asked Heavenly Father to bless mom that "going to court won't mess her up." I appreciated his sentiments, but obviously is affects me enough to, in turn, affect my family.

I look forward to her next hearing. The physical symptoms I usually see at court didn't occur this time and I hope that is a new trend. Heaven knows, we could use some change with this situation.