Audrey decided to live with her father when she was 12. Five days after summer visitation ended with me, Audrey ran away July 10, 2007. She was found walking alone on a deserted part of a highway at 10:30 PM. No assault occurred - she met a 17 yr old online who went to her dad's as she "went for a walk". This action indicates that Audrey does not feel a sense of peace inside. I pray that she returns to my home in the near future.
I will be moving from Austin, where I relocated after getting Claire, now 3, from the clutches of CPS and my mom and sisters. I feel confident about the move back to Lake Jackson, where Audrey and I lived from 2001 - 2003 and where I met Claire's father. I have a theater scholarship and continuing my education is a great plan. I am a single mom again - and receive no child support. Financially, things are tough, but I've always been blessed with a great sense of inner peace. Audrey recognizes my strength even from the luxurious house of her dad and step-mother. I think she will want to live with me again, for this I pray. In the event of any other emergency, I pray for the guidance in deciding to return to family court - this time not as a respondent, but to petition the court for wisdom on Audrey's best interest. Brazoria Family Court was always quite favorable to me in years back when Audrey's father fought me for custody. In less than 2 yrs time, Audrey has proven that life at her dad's is not stable.
I need a lot of prayers through this transition - I pray that Audrey returns to my home in the near future.
Thanks so much.
Cynthia
Added information on 09-04-2007
Audrey is pushing me even further away, and after first requesting to visit me oonly one weekend per month, she is now demanding that it is her right at "14 years old", based on information from her dad and stepmother's lawyer. I am very sad and frustrated that it seems I cannot fight my daughter on this. What is clear is that this is parent alienation, and the relationship I've worked so hard to protect with Audrey is being destroyed. I worry about Audrey's health, and try to have faith that she will return to my arms. So many psychologists claim that the parents who do the alienating lose in the end, when the child grows up and sees what happened more clearly.
I miss Audrey. I still pray that she will move to Austin someday. I pray that God will change her heart, which has so hardened against me that she blames me for her actions of meeting the boy and running away from her dad's house. I know this information has been drilled into my daughter, especially by her stepmom, and I pray that God will change her dad and stepmother's hearts as well. These continuous lies will only harm my child and her self esteem.
I have decided to stay in Austin and found residence with another single mom. The move back to the Houston area just wasn't happening very easily... I find it hard to move from Austin, where I've found a lot of peace --- a wonderful home for myself and Claire, my 3 yr old. I also find it hard to live away from Audrey --- 3 miles or 300 miles. I love her very much and I miss her terribly.
Please pray for Audrey's strength to see the truth and make safe decisions.
Thanks,
Cynthia in Austin |
