OT: Hey fellers... remember me? Stranger returns bearing some good news for a change

[MarineOpLaw]

Hey folks! Just a quick drop in to let you know 'The Rupert Boys' are still alive and kickin' in Ol' Virginny. Oh yeah, as of February, we're now 4/5'ths 'reconstituted'!

Making things yet better was last Thursday's court decision providing us a final order wherein I am now my 3 youngest boys' custodial parent. THAT, my dear and faithful friends, was one incredibly MAJOR milestone for us... after over 3 1/2 YEARS of continuous litigation (and much 'nastiness') in a very pro-female county. The turnabout was/is truly a miracle and I give all credit to God for making it happen.

As for my eldest (now, almost 13yo), he's still a work in progress. He remains horribly poisoned against me and the alienation is extreme. However, we've got a judge who is determined to get us back together if at all possible. To that end, we are starting with a new counselor (former one retired) as soon as he can get us in.

For those of you interested in some incredible stats, since this ordeal began...

• the boys' mother has gone through more than a dozen lawyers (I'm still on my first);
• I have weathered over 15 allegations of abuse, neglect, assault, and etc. against me... ALL officially determined to be unfounded;
• at least two active players have retired;
• we have the largest file (I think EVER) in the county juvenile court;
• their mother has moved residences over six times (ok for an adult, but for school age kids?!?); and
• you don't even want to know what legal fees have accrued! :shrug:

Then, to top things off, just last week we found out that she's currently facing a (felony) assault on a law enforcement officer charge for attempting to bite a sheriff's deputy trying to remove her from a dentist's office. (No, I did NOT make that up... I don't have that wild of an imagination to gin up something that ridiculous!)

Of course, we are not finished with the litigation... her sister, whose petitions for custody of all the boys was denied and dismissed last Thursday as well, has already appealed the decision... meaning we are in for one heck of a knock down, drag out courtroom bloodletting come the springtime. And, since the full appeal period has not yet run, we have no idea if the boys' mother will likewise appeal (though, given the crud we've amassed against her in the last 9+ months, that'd be a stupid thing to do).

On a more sad note, two of the boys' Jeeps met an untimely firery end on Memorial Day... stored in my mom's (detached) garage up in Ohio, an old ratty CJ-5 and our pristine Scrambler, were totalled when the structure went up in flames. While they are not completely destroyed, bringing them back to life is going to take a Herculean effort. Luckily the Scrambler was insured, but the insurance company (USAA) only wants to pay less than half of what I paid Collins' Bros for it back in '01 (in same great condition).

I s'pose that's about it for now. Take care and please continue to send prayers aloft for the boys... and their hapless dad. Hope to see ya on the trail... once we get our Scrambler back to Virginia and a(nother) motor swapped in.

[Jim_Lou]

Hey, great to hear from you Jerry! Wonderful news! I've been wondering what happened to you. That's a bummer about the Scrambler, but if you have to, just take them to court. It'll be fun for a change!

[homepagez]

Jerry - that's fantastic that you were able to get custody considering how far the courts learn away from the father and toward the mother. I've gone through my share of something like this and I struggle with getting small amounts of time with my sons. It makes you want to start up a pro-father group and fix the situation in the US. Fathers get totally screwed.

Anyway - great news. Good luck with the restorations and sorry about the fire.

-John

[JBTater]

GREAT to hear from you Jerry.
Your boys are blessed to have you for a father.

[GeeAea]

Good news from our friend under fire. Tough situation. I'm amazed that it's still a work in progress. Funny (perhaps "odd" is a better term) how things like this can emerge without notice and turn totally counter to what one might expect. I'm sure there is some case study somewhere about this phenomena. That is, I've seen this sorta thing before.

At least you kept your wits about you. I'd (not) recommend seeing Dream Lover with James Spader.

I have to admire your strength and courage in this matter. I don't know if I could endure it ..and thankfully don't have to.

GOD bless you, my friend!

[DuaneD]

Wow, may the Lord always be with you and give you peace. You are not alone. Thank you for sharing.

[LEVE]

Here's hoping that time heals a lot of wounds and that you're little family can be as whole as possible.

Don't worry too much about Matthew. He's now in full testosterone mode and will start to be human again when he's about 17 to 20. Till then, he won't be able to think as clearly as he should.

God bless you and yours in this upcoming holiday season. I'm sure you and your extended family will do a great job raising those boys to be men. It's a big job, but from what I've seen the Rupert clan has never shirked from big jobs.

[JeepnGreg]

yea! great news!

don't worry toooo much about the 13 year old....Like Larry said.... he's being a typical 13yr old....once the angst goes away he'll come back to normal.

just keep on hanging in there and being a good, patient, and loving dad.

[HOGHEAD]

Have faith,, Ive been there & done that .. I had both my son & Ex working me between a rock & a hard place ,, I last saw mine (at my request) when he was 12,, Hes 30 now & just got married for the 2nd time ,, This time he invited me to his wedding,, Hes got 2 sons with this marrage,, Tells me he'll bring them by.. Havent seen them yet in person,,

[barrelroll]

Sounds like things are working out, congrats. Good luck on the 13 year old, dealing with kids that age every day I wish you the best of luck and they do come around.