Chapter 17 - Beatrice Petitions
My mother could not tolerate no contact.
For three months I allowed none.
Not punishment.
Safety and evaluation.
She called.
Emailed.
Sent messages through relatives.
I asked her to stop.
She did not.
Then she consulted an attorney about grandparent visitation.
Because Celia was deceased and Beatrice had a substantial prior relationship with Lowri, the attorney told her she might have arguments depending state law and circumstances.
She filed.
That hurt.
Not because she had no rights to use court.
Because she turned relationship into litigation before attempting accountability.
I responded.
No smear campaign.
No:
dangerous grandmother who tried to erase mother.
Facts.
Her pre-death replacement comments.
Misrepresentation of therapist guidance.
School instructions.
Photo removals.
Her reunion statement.
Lowri’s current distress.
Miriam testified only within ethical/legal bounds.
She did not diagnose Beatrice as evil.
She said forced contact during active fear and unresolved boundaries could undermine Lowri’s adjustment.
The court did not order immediate visitation.
Instead:
Mediation.
Family assessment.
No direct communication pending evaluation.
Beatrice hated it.
Then did something useful.
She complied.
For the first time.
No cards.
No surprise school pickup.
No cousin carrying messages.
Silence.
Lowri noticed.
“Grandma gone?”
“No.”
“Why no call?”
“Adults are giving you space.”
She thought.
“Good.”
That word probably hurt Beatrice more than any ruling.
May you like
But space was necessary.
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