27 replies to this topic

[Kaidlen Shan]

On November 5th my mother is going to be in court back in Martinsville, VA. She is going after custody of my sister's three kids- Alec, Sean, and Serenity. They're currently in foster care, and it's not very likely that Social Services will allow them to return to their mother. They have stated, even though the judge said that she wanted the house where my sister lives renovated, that as long as my sister remains living in her current location that she would not get her children back. To top it all off, they're charging her $360 a month for child support. And that is making it impossible to even look for a different place to live. In fact, she's not even getting enough money to put gas in her car to get to work (when she has any work), much less buy food. The job situation is really bad right now in that part of Virginia. The mainstay of the economy in that area had originally been textile and furniture manufacturing based. A good majority of those jobs left to places overseas for the cheaper labor pool.
If you would like an idea of what used to come out of that section of the state, here are some names that your parents, if not you yourself, should know: Bassett Furniture, Fieldcrest Cannon (towels and bedding), Bassett Walker (clothing textiles), American of Martinsville (furniture), Ridgeway Clocks (grandfather clocks), Sara Lee (clothing textiles), Pluma (clothing textiles). Most of those are gone, though Ridgeway Clocks hasn't left, and most of the others who were originally completely based in the area still maintain their home offices there. The main thing that is keeping the area from becoming a completely dead area is the NASCAR Nextel Cup track located there, the Martinsville Speedway.


Now on a seperate, smaller note- I would appreciate any prayers sent my way, please. I've ended up in the ER twice now with my asthma. The last time was last night. I had a severe asthma attack that could have killed me, since I actually had next to no air getting into my lungs. I had gone to a doctor over in Knoxville that refused to prescribe me the desperately needed corticosteroid inhaler that helps keep my asthma under control. If I had gotten the needed medication, I could have avoided last night's trip to the ER, complete with ambulance ride. So I would really appreciate any prayers sent my way for finding a different doctor who will prescribe me the need medication, and to help keep my asthma in control until I do find someone.

Thank you all, very much.

[Koru Tav]

Will do.

[Talak Kasra]

You all have my prayers. Just know that God is on your side and will do everything he can to help you and your family.

[Khyron Overmind]

I am sorry to hear that my friend. I do hope that everything turns out ok for you and your family. My prayers are with you all.

[Kaidlen Shan]

Update:

I had a message from my mother yesterday when I went on break at work. At this point in time, she did not get custody of my niece and nephews. She will have to go back to court in Martinsville on April 30, 2009. However, she could get the kids sooner once the state of Tennessee does a homestudy. I'm figuring that is what held her up in getting the kids at this point in time. (Along with Virginia dragging their feet notifying Tennessee that Mom was going after the kids, so they wouldn't have enough time to do a homestudy for Mom to get them this week.)
I'll keep you all informed as I learn more.

[Khyron Overmind]

So they will remain in foster care until the end of April?

[Dene Vye Cognatus]

I would also like to request a prayer for my family, particularly my brother, who is in the hospital. I have not been getting on much because of it. He fell and broke his arm.

[Khyron Overmind]

Hopefully he will recover pretty soon Dene.

[Kaidlen Shan]

Update:

Okay, I learned from my mother that it is the homestudy that is holding things up. As soon as Tennessee has done one, the kids are coming. So they will not remain in fostercare for too much longer. Also, once my sister's finances improve, and she has moved to a new place, she will regain custody of her kids.

Dene, you will get all the prayers I can send out for you.

[Khyron Overmind]

I hope things are better now for Kaidlen and Dene.

[Kev McLairson]

Information update:

On 3/25/2009 Kaidlen's mother got a visit from her social worker. Everything is complete, just waiting on the paperwork now. Kaidlen's niece and nephews, if things go right, should be in Tennessee with their Aunt and Grandmother by Easter.

[Khyron Overmind]

That is good news. Great!!

[Kaidlen Shan]

Yeah, it is. What's going to be the fun part is getting time away from them, especially Sere. I know she's going to want to spend as much time over at my place as she can manage to get away with.

[James Stratus]

Excellent!

[Kaidlen Shan]

Well, on the 28th, Mom got her copies of the paperwork in the mail. Now we're waiting to hear from my sister's social worker and the judge in Martinsville, VA. Things are starting to move real fast now. It's going to be great having them here.

[James Stratus]

Excellent!

[Kaidlen Shan]

Yet another update-
Mom has received official paperwork listing a courtdate, which is April 30th. However, there stands a chance that anywhere from April 13th to the 24th, she could get a phone call telling her to come and get the kids. If that happens, I will be going with her to get them, since we'll have to go there and back in one day. It's doable, but it will take 2 drivers to pull it off.

[Khyron Overmind]

You are getting closer and closer. Good luck!!

[Koru Tav]

Good to hear!

[Kaidlen Shan]

Thanks. And yeah, we are getting closer. I am so looking forward to seeing the kids again.

[James Stratus]

I got a call from Kaidlen this morning on my way to work. She told me the good news that she and her mom are going to VA this weekend to pick up the kids! They are very excited and this is really good news for them. Congrats!

[Khyron Overmind]

Excellent news indeed!!!

[Koru Tav]

Very Nice!!!

[Kaidlen Shan]

Well, on Friday, the 17th, Mom and I made a round trip drive to Martinsville, where we used to live. When we arrived back home, almost 20 hours later, we had my niece and both my nephews with us. All three are extremely glad to be here with us. We have to go back on the 29th, because Mom has to be in court the morning of the 30th. At that point in time, she will be awarded temporary custody of the kids. After 6 months is up, she will get permament custody of them.

[Khyron Overmind]

That is great news Kaidlen. I am really happy for you and your family!!!

[James Stratus]

That is great news indeed!

[Koru Tav]

Sweet. Drive safely and have a good time when you head out.

[Kaidlen Shan]

Thanks. I'm hoping to see some of my friends that still live in the area while I'm there. Hopefully get in a visit with family as well. It's going to be a quick trip, just overnight. However I'll take all the luck I can get.