Experiencing Child Cessation: An Appeal from a Custody Battle

The Initial Custody Battle

Six years ago, I filed for full custody of my two beautiful children following a domestic violence episode. It was the other parent's turn to visit with the children. As I brought them into the other parent's house, my daughter, then five years old, wrapped her arms and legs around me so tightly that she wouldn't let go. When the other parent punched his fist between us, causing me to lose my balance, my attempt to regain it was marred by the sudden silence and limpness of my daughter. Looking up, I saw my daughter's father had his hands around her neck and was pulling her off me. My son, who was eight at the time, witnessed everything, shaking and threatening me before ordering me off the premises. I called the police from my car outside his house, but when they arrived, they advised that the other parent had also called the police.

A Journey of Struggle and Devastation

Two days later, when I arrived to retrieve the children, I took my daughter to the pediatrician, who interviewed her and examined her. The doctor advised me to file for a protection order, as my daughter was terrified of her father. I followed this advice. Prior to the hearing, the other parent threatened to drop the charges if I would file for full custody, but I told him that I could not drop the charges because we were telling the truth.

The other parent then filed for full custody, and I counter-filed. The court awarded sole custody to the other parent, an abuser. I was granted visitation: one evening a week and every other weekend. This decision brought shock, disbelief, and overwhelming sadness and despair. Someone had ripped out my life right from under me.

The Present and Future Struggles

Now, in 2017, it has been exactly six years since this began. The other parent is planning to move the children to Florida in three months. I have lost everything. Due to an autoimmune disease, I am unable to work. My disability claim is still pending. My older son, now 14 years old, has attempted suicide four times in the past four months. Both children have struggled academically since their father gained sole custody. Yes, I had a lawyer, but I was behind in my payments, and she essentially stopped showing up. The court awarded sole custody to the abuser, viewing me as a victim, despite my assertion that I am still a victim.

The other parent is now a narcissist, and the whole idea that I, with nothing, cannot work, and have no way to support my children is ludicrous. All I have is my love for them. My children are my life. I am a registered nurse and have no addictions or past. I am a good person, and the courts made a mistake. I made a mistake in selecting the wrong attorney. This one man, the children's father, who is a narcissist, has ruined the lives of my children and myself. How will I live without my children? My heart is continually bleeding, and I cannot go on when they are gone.

Conclusion

I remain a registered nurse, with a strong conviction that I am a good person. The courts made a mistake, and I am working tirelessly to change this reality. If anyone is looking to share their stories or offer support, please reach out. My fight is not just for myself, but for the love and well-being of my children