Chapter 19 - Permanent Custody
Reunification remained the stated goal initially.
That changed slowly.
Not because Reena went to jail alone.
Because both children’s therapists reported intense fear of returning to her unsupervised care.
Drew had nightmares about basement.
Lily cried whenever a door locked.
Supervised visits improved.
Reena learned not to demand hugs.
Learned not to promise:
You’ll be home soon.
But accountability remained inconsistent.
Some days:
“I hurt you.”
Other days:
“Everyone made mistakes.”
That phrase.
Everyone.
Eventually dependency court considered permanent kinship custody.
Not termination of parental rights immediately.
A less absolute option.
I petitioned.
I was terrified.
Was I stealing Aaron’s children?
No.
Still felt like it.
The court appointed child advocates.
Home studies.
Financial review.
Background checks.
My work schedule adjusted.
I reduced field hours and moved into project management office role.
Less money.
More predictable.
Worth it.
After nearly two years, the court granted me permanent legal and physical custody subject to Reena’s structured supervised contact.
Her parental rights remained.
She remained Mother.
I became guardian/custodial uncle.
No adoption at that stage.
Why?
Because Drew did not want his last name changed.
Because Lily still called Reena Mommy.
Because legal permanence did not require rewriting relationships.
May you like
That was right.
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