Human and Feline stuff

The photo here is my bold Prisoner, who wandered all the way up to my bedroom on Tuesday while Ember was at day care.  Doesn't he look comfy?

December 2nd was the final day of the trial for termination of parental rights of the biological parents of my foster grandson.  I have not gone to any of these proceedings, mind you.  My son was one of the witnesses on the final day.

It was an interesting experience, although a difficult one to live through for those most closely involved.  My DIL was a mess.  She has bonded so deeply with this child!  

They were sequestered from the trial because  DS was to testify.  They did get updates from the lawyer for the state, who made the motion to terminate.  My DIL's mom sat in the gallery for the whole thing and took copious notes that she was not allowed to share until the trial was over, also due to that sequestration.

Now it's in the phase of waiting for the judge to issue the court order(s).  Meanwhile, "the kids" (as I call my son and his wife) are not discussing any of what went on in court in front of FGC, to protect him from the emotional whiplash that comes from such things.  After the judge issues court orders, they will begin to talk to him about the future and next steps.  

Expectation is that they will continue to have him with them while things proceed but best case it will be a year before they can adopt him "for reals".  They will have more decision-making authority during that year, since the plan will be for permanency.  It is my hope that the orders will come, and the next year will be one of hopeful waiting and expectation, full of bonding and the continued building of trust!  I am so proud of this couple, taking on a child with the challenges that come of childhood trauma, and doing a fine job of it.  I will look to their guidance for when I can share clear photos showing his adorable face.

From the rear, me, FGC and DS at the dog park May 2024.  Imagine the child about six or seven inches taller now!  He's been with them for over a year now with only a couple or three-week interruption.  

Other human news, I have an eye appointment next week to see about the laser procedure to take out the scarring that has formed around one lens since the last cataract surgery.  My older sis has agreed to drive me for this appointment which I assume is just the assessment for suitability.

Sad human news:  said older sister messaged me with a photo of the obituary notice of a dear friend from my childhood.  This gal and I had been Brownie Scouts together, 65 years ago or so.  Her mom and my mom had been leaders in our scout troops, or cookie chairwomen, depending on the year.  They took a candy making class together.  In that last decade before I retired my gal friend and I had worked on the same project, she as a business expert, me as a technical coder / team lead.  In the process of reconnecting, she shared a recipe for peanut brittle that her mom and mine had learned in that class and I made it that year.  It was a wonderful memory for the taste buds!  Anyway, the memorial service isn't until January, so I have time to hash out the difference between the day/date it said in the notice (it says Friday January 3rd, but the 3rd is a Saturday).  Cancer sucks.

But life is still good.  Spark on!