Andrew Update ...for those of you familiar **UPDATE** I know there are many here that have asked me to keep them updated about Andrew, an orphan boy we took full custody of in October of '08 ... so here is the latest..... Grandma subpoenaed myself and my wife for breaking a COURT ORDER with Andrew's visitation. We had our first appearence in Family Court today...... first a little background. When we took custody of Andrew the papers stated that Grandma would have visitation as agreed by both parties .... that's ALL it said about visitation. Fast Forward to November of last year ... Grandma wanted Andrew at a wedding ... he did not want to be alone with Grandma ... he fears her ... we said he could go, but we would be going with him...she said, "no way". So we said he wouldnt be going ... we called CPS and they stated if we let him go when he was fearful and something abusive happened to him ... we could lose Andrew and be brought up on neglect charges ... I told Grandma ... she freaked out ... her daughter calls and says they will be breaking ties untiul the point Andrew WANTS to see her with no strings ... keep in mind that Andrew's sister live with Grandma. Andrew was relieved, but missed his sister. FF to Easter ... sis calls and wants to talk to Andrew. We werent home so she left a message on machine ... I told Andrew to call her back and he was afraid "nana" would answer the phone .... and she did... she started riddling him.. my wife grabbed the phone and said, "We are not getting caught up in all this drama!" hence the subpeona ... her allegations were IMMEDIATELY dismissed by the judge as not valid :p and she was told she would have to get a lawyer and file for a revision of visitation. We agreed to try a mediator to hammer out a schedule of visitation ... this will take place on the 25th of this month at 10am. The bottom line here is.. Andrew is afraid of his "nana" ... and if what he has told us and Social workers thruout the years is true ,,, he has every right to be afraid. So we want SUPERVISED visitation with Grandma ..... which she has already NOT agreed to ... so I am expecting a court case. Andrew's lawyer is on our side as is The Lord ...so I am not worried. On another note, Andrew had his first Track Meet this weekend (he is killing my turkey season )he tried like heck ... which is all I ask of him. He is doing wonderfully ....
Sounds like a tough road but it's good to hear all of the good news is on your side of the road! I wish the best for the little man and your family!
My hat is off to you and your family Tony. You opened your hearts and home to give Andrew a better place in life. Hang in there brother, it won't be easy but its worth it. I know what you mean about track cutting into your turkey season LOL. We'll both have plenty of time to chase birds when the boys are older.
Tony you are a good man. I cannot tell you how many abused boys and girls I see everyday at work. Waaaay too many. Many of them are locked up behind bars for months yet refuse visits from their "loved ones". That right there tells you something. GOOD for you Tony and God bless Andrew.
Tony, I have been through this exact thing recently. With Andrew's state of mind concerning his grandmother there may be a process that you can use to protect him and the courts, at least here in S. MD., seem to prefer it. Let me know if you are interested and I'll relay the info to you. Good luck with this.
Much respect my friend. Most people surely wouldn't get involved, but Andrew now has a shot on life. I'll keep u guys in my prayers. It's likely going to be a difficult journey.
Tony, Fight to keep Andrew protected. You may never know the extent of damage that this woman's abuse be it physical or emotional could have done to him. It would be best to have Andrew if he's comfortable doing it make a statement regarding his fears and emotions about the whole thing to the family court judge as well, which may further your case. The sad thing is that the sister trapped in the middle may tug strongly on his heart strings, and I'm sure he in some way fears for her as well. I wish you the best on this one.
You're a great man, Tony. That boy is going to appreciate having someone truly looking out for him and loving him.
Your doing a great thing thing Tony. I remember the first pictures you posted of him them a while later more recent photos. The difference in the pictures were apparent.You are doing a great job with him. I just hope the "nana" will back off and let him be. Good Luck.
Wow!! Lots of drama going on with this. Sounds like this grandma Is a little nuts. Poor kiddo. Be strong buddy, don't let your guard down. A few weeks ago I was wondering how things were going. Thanks for the update. Hang In there Andrew!!!
Sorry to hear about the drama, but it's good to hear that Andrew is doing well. It's a shame he has that fear of his grandmother, but it sounds like she brought it about herself. Hopefully everything works out in Andrew's favor in terms of visitation because it's got to be tough not being able to see his sister. Good luck Tony, I'm pulling for you guys.
"Nana" gave his sister up to another family for a test run but it didnt work out.... we offered tgo take the sister, but nana wasnt having it..thanks for the kind words, guys...but yall would do the samei covet your prayers on this more than anything... i will keep you posted....
