I opted to stay overnight in Richmond Thursday. With two packed days, I figured the last thing I needed was to be running up and down 64. My plan was to wake up early Friday morning and attempt to handle some of the banking issues that required immediate attention. But, of course, things can never be as simple as they should be. After 2 hours at just one bank, I HAD to leave or be held in contempt of court for missing the hearing. I was less than happy with the LESS than customer friendly service I received. It was a complete waste of time- the only thing I accomplished was demonstrating to the bankers how quickly I can go from nice and sweet to...hmmm...well, not so nice and sweet. I eventually gave up handling the necessary business, despite the court documents requiring them to assist me, and packed up my things. Then, the banker made the awful mistake of saying, "I know you are frustrated and I understand." Until this point, I had kept it together. However, I really detest someone flippantly saying they "understand" when they likely have no clue. To her insensitive remark, I responded in what looked like "Madea meets BonQuiQui". It started off with, "Oh really? You think you understand? Well, let me tell you..." And ended with me pledging to never bank with them and hastily collecting all of my papers. It wasn't pretty. By the time I got in my car, I was in tears. Not only did I have to rush to the courthouse now, but I had wasted two hours that I didn't have to lose. So frustrating.
I tried the whole taking deep breaths thing...listening to some good tunes...and then my phone rang. It was the newspaper wanting to interview me about my experience working with Clutter Cleaner/Matt Paxton. I shook my head in disbelief of the timing. Certainly, I thought, nothing good is swirling around in my mind right now. As I listened to this woman's questions, my mind was immediately redirected to something positive. In that moment, I had to respond to questions about why I needed the help of this company and their value to me as a client. I ended up having a wonderful conversation with the journalist while providing me with the gift of distraction so I could get it together. Initially, I thought the timing of the call couldn't have been worse. In reality, the timing was perfect. God's clock is never off....
I arrived at the courthouse with a few minutes to spare. After preparing with the Commonwealth's Attorney and the police officer who had been called to testify, I realized that my uncle might actually be at this hearing since he had appeared at the last. This hearing was to go before the judge to extend the protective order- a necessary precaution in light of the extenuating circumstances involved in this tragic situation. I entered the courtroom and soon learned that indeed my uncle was being transported over to the courthouse. At this point, I thought, bring it on. Let's get this moving so I can keep moving on. It was probably better that I didn't have any time to get nervous about it. AND, certainly, I felt a huge boost of confidence with such an incredible Commonwealth's Attorney and law enforcement. The hearing went well, if such a thing can be said of it. I was able to emphasize to my uncle that this is not what I want for him, but this wasn't my decision. I had a responsibility to protect my grandparents. I communicated my desire to return to this courtroom again but hopefully it would be for the purposes of removing the order because there was no longer a threat of harm or interference. The judge echoed the sentiments from my heart. Even now, as I type this, I so pray things weren't the way they were. I pray God works an incredible miracle in my uncle's life so he can once again be a part of his parents life. While I feel like I have moved some mountains lately, this is something I can't change. My uncle has to want it for himself. Maybe this will be what it takes. I hope so.
I missed seeing my grandparents these last couple of days. I looked forward to returning home to Charlottesville to see my family and take a breather. I looked forward to seeing James and Etta knowing I now had the legal authority and responsibility to ensure their continued safety, health, and happiness.
I know there are things in my grandparents lives that weren't perfect, perhaps not even ideal at times. However, we are all flawed and all make our share of mistakes. I am not sure what kind of childhood my father had...not much has ever been said about it. I only know what I know...and I do know my grandmother loved and adored me. I never questioned or doubted that for a moment. As a child and teen, even adult, she has always been my confidant. The one I told my troubles and secrets to as well as my hopes and dreams. We've shared many times of sheer laughter and tears too. She has been a bright light in my life and now I am just doing my part to reflect some of that light for her. My grandfather was never that involved in my life. Kind of distant, I suppose. But now, he's a grandfather to me. All the years that I never heard him say I love you are gone. These words are spoken at nearly every visit. He watches intently as I interact with Etta. Whenever our eyes meet, a warm smile follows. So, whatever happened in the past is just that. It can't be taken back or changed. We have to live in the present and appreciate the PRESENT that it is.
I tried the whole taking deep breaths thing...listening to some good tunes...and then my phone rang. It was the newspaper wanting to interview me about my experience working with Clutter Cleaner/Matt Paxton. I shook my head in disbelief of the timing. Certainly, I thought, nothing good is swirling around in my mind right now. As I listened to this woman's questions, my mind was immediately redirected to something positive. In that moment, I had to respond to questions about why I needed the help of this company and their value to me as a client. I ended up having a wonderful conversation with the journalist while providing me with the gift of distraction so I could get it together. Initially, I thought the timing of the call couldn't have been worse. In reality, the timing was perfect. God's clock is never off....
I arrived at the courthouse with a few minutes to spare. After preparing with the Commonwealth's Attorney and the police officer who had been called to testify, I realized that my uncle might actually be at this hearing since he had appeared at the last. This hearing was to go before the judge to extend the protective order- a necessary precaution in light of the extenuating circumstances involved in this tragic situation. I entered the courtroom and soon learned that indeed my uncle was being transported over to the courthouse. At this point, I thought, bring it on. Let's get this moving so I can keep moving on. It was probably better that I didn't have any time to get nervous about it. AND, certainly, I felt a huge boost of confidence with such an incredible Commonwealth's Attorney and law enforcement. The hearing went well, if such a thing can be said of it. I was able to emphasize to my uncle that this is not what I want for him, but this wasn't my decision. I had a responsibility to protect my grandparents. I communicated my desire to return to this courtroom again but hopefully it would be for the purposes of removing the order because there was no longer a threat of harm or interference. The judge echoed the sentiments from my heart. Even now, as I type this, I so pray things weren't the way they were. I pray God works an incredible miracle in my uncle's life so he can once again be a part of his parents life. While I feel like I have moved some mountains lately, this is something I can't change. My uncle has to want it for himself. Maybe this will be what it takes. I hope so.
I missed seeing my grandparents these last couple of days. I looked forward to returning home to Charlottesville to see my family and take a breather. I looked forward to seeing James and Etta knowing I now had the legal authority and responsibility to ensure their continued safety, health, and happiness.
I know there are things in my grandparents lives that weren't perfect, perhaps not even ideal at times. However, we are all flawed and all make our share of mistakes. I am not sure what kind of childhood my father had...not much has ever been said about it. I only know what I know...and I do know my grandmother loved and adored me. I never questioned or doubted that for a moment. As a child and teen, even adult, she has always been my confidant. The one I told my troubles and secrets to as well as my hopes and dreams. We've shared many times of sheer laughter and tears too. She has been a bright light in my life and now I am just doing my part to reflect some of that light for her. My grandfather was never that involved in my life. Kind of distant, I suppose. But now, he's a grandfather to me. All the years that I never heard him say I love you are gone. These words are spoken at nearly every visit. He watches intently as I interact with Etta. Whenever our eyes meet, a warm smile follows. So, whatever happened in the past is just that. It can't be taken back or changed. We have to live in the present and appreciate the PRESENT that it is.