Posted by Oddzilla on July 3, 2000, at 7:42:30
In reply to Since you insist, I'll join the fray...TD and Odd, posted by shar on July 3, 2000, at 0:22:30
Let there be peace on Earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on Earth.......
Sorry I jumped in. Romanticizing "mental illness" is one of my sore points. I would still hope that the children could have separate representation. I hope the issue would be the effect of a parent's illness on the children not the civil rights of the parent. But I hope things work out for the best for everyone! O.
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> In child custody cases it IS about the best interest of the children which means it's 100% about the parents as well. If the court perceives that the children need counsel, they can appoint a guardian ad litem to represent their interests. (At least in Texas.)
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> I believe this is rarely necessary.
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> I also believe that when one is facing the possibility of having their children taken away (even if it "probably" won't happen), it is terrifying, and anger is no surprise, either.
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> Doubly so, because there is a stigma that can be attached to our mental health that can make the "population in general" uncomfortable, or suspicious, or wary about the person. That in itself is not a big to-do for me (what care I for my neighbor's assessment of me?). However, if I were going to court and the decision could impact my life and rights with my children--I would be mega concerned.
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> I have not read all the posts really thoroughly, but (unless there is ample and substantial reason to do it) telling someone you plan to take their kids because they are so unfit is mean.
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> I don't know who would make the best parent, but I would be dang sure if I thought it was me, I would be planning and strategizing to present a fair picture of myself, and it would be hard work and a struggle to have the self-confidence to do it (I have low self-esteem if you can believe it).
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> So, as to your comment, Odd, about feeling offended, well, you are special too. Survivors are special (they also tend to be extremely aware of small nuances in behavior of others). I think Dari did a very good job of describing how illness and wellness interact, and what she saw when the veil was lifted from her eyes.
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> I'm not bipolar (I don't think), but I am a survivor. The more healed I become, the more I can express my creativity, emotion, and reach out to the people I love. This is probably true of you, too, Odd. If not, I don't mean to offend you.
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> I don't think Dari was saying she was the Queen of All Things, I took her comments as her experience coming through the fog and learning to see. And showing some appreciation for what she has learned, respect for the work she has done, pride for her parenting, and it is her opinion that she has a perspective that "normals" wouldn't. If you are a "normal" I'm sure she meant no offense, Odd.
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> Oh, well. God bless us, every one.
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> Shar
poster:Oddzilla
thread:38824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000630/msgs/39105.html