Carmen called me today. She said that Dr. P’s office called her to ask why she missed today’s appointment at 3:15. She told them that she didn’t know anything about an appointment. They told her that Jody R made the appointment. She was a tiny bit accusatory when she asked me about it. She wanted to know why I was making appointments for HER daughter. I explained that Stewart and I had talked to Dr. P on Monday, June 21 about Carrie’s overall health and to find out about the blood test for Praderwilly. She backed off a little after I explained that we were only calling to talk to Dr. P. I told her that there was obviously some confusion at the doctor’s office. Why would I make an appointment for Carrie when I’m not her parent nor do I have custody?

The basic summary is this: Carmen continues to insist that something is wrong with Carrie. She now admits that Carrie doesn’t have epilepsy. She said that the neurologist will be testing her for Rett’s Syndrome. (She mentioned this once before in February; it’s interesting that she has returned to this particular illness.) She said that it’s impossible to diagnose a child as young as Carrie with cerebral palsy, however they will continue with physical therapy as if she has it. She made it clear to me that if I wanted to discuss medical history, she would have to sign a release. However, she didn’t volunteer to sign a release. The fact is, I only discuss medical history with Stewart present or jointly on the phone. Carmen doesn’t know this, however.

She said there was an appointment on Tuesday, June 22. I told her that Dr. P’s office said otherwise. That’s when she told me that the appointment was with Dr. K who is a neurologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Stewart and I either read the note incorrectly or Carmen wrote it incorrectly to avoid having Stewart show up. She then said that she informs her attorney of all appointments, who in turn should inform Stewart’s attorney who in turn should inform Stewart. There has been a breakdown in communication.

I know it won’t do any good, but I would like to grab Carmen by the shoulders and shout at her, “I know as well as you do that nothing is wrong with Carrie. Stop all this madness!” We are in an extremely frustrating position.

I called Pat Warden, the Butler County Social Worker, and left her a message about my conversation with Carmen. I then called Stewart to ask him to contact Dr. K’s office and release records to his attorney.

As far as I know, Carmen doesn’t know anything about my copy of Carrie’s medical records or my conversations with the social workers. I changed the subject and told her that I got a baby monitor for when she visits. She seemed excited about that. She mentioned the gym mat again. Maybe she’s playing me like a violin or maybe not. In any case, she doesn’t seem to harbor any resentment towards me.

Stewart and I called Dr. P’s office to find out when Carrie’s next appointment is. At the hospital Carmen had written down that there was an appointment on June 22 @ 11:30. Dr. P’s office said no appointments were scheduled. Following Stewart’s attorney’s advice, we asked if we could make an appointment to talk to Dr. P. The woman on the phone offered to have Dr. P call us back to avoid the travel time and expense of an appointment. We agreed and reserved the right to make an appointment if he didn’t call back.

At about 2:45PM Dr. P called my cell phone. I place a 3-way call to Stewart. We asked Dr. P about Carrie’s current medical condition. Dr. P told us that he last saw Carrie on June 14 for “sniffles.” He said that she was fine except for a developmental delay. In his words, “It’s not severe at all.” He said there was never any medical reason why Stewart couldn’t have a custodial visit. He even agreed to write a letter to Stewart’s attorney stating such. I asked him before we hung up whether or not he thought it would be beneficial for Stewart to come to his office. He said no. He told us everything we needed to know on the phone.

I was shocked to look at my caller ID and see that Carmen was calling me this evening. She merely called to tell me about a display case that she bought at a yard sale and refinished. She wants to place all of Carrie’s baptism artifacts into it. She was specifically calling to ask if I still had the candle.

She also told me that she was applying for a teaching position at a school for the deaf in Cincinnati. I think she said it was St. Peter’s, but I can’t find it on Google. I engaged her in small talk for about 30 minutes. Before hanging up I mentioned that I would like to visit again now that school is out. She said that we are always welcome at her house. She also said that she would like to come to our house again. She mentioned that she acquired a gym mat for Carrie to play on.

I haven't written anything lately because I haven't heard a word from Carmen since that day in the hospital. I assumed that she would never speak to me again because I was at the hospital with my entire family in support of Stewart's right to see Carrie.

In addition to that, Eddi R, the hospital social worker, referred the case to childrens services. They opened up an investigation and sent a social worker named Pat Warden to investigate. Throughout the last month Mom, Stewart, Rita and I have all talked with her on the phone to find out what's going on. Due to confidentiality she won't give us details but after about three weeks she said she couldn't find any reason to keep the case open. As far as she can tell, Carmen is meeting Carrie's basic needs. Unless any medical professionals are willing to make an accusation of Munchausen by Proxy childrens services can't do anything.