LETTER FROM A FRIEND

Dear sweet Jody, I am so sorry you and the baby are having to go through this. Under the very best of circumstances all the moving around can only lead to greater difficulty for the baby. As I mentioned to you before, I do not think she has attachment disorders. However, she may begin to experience for attachment issues with new care takers in and out of her life.

Jody, The home investigation will be done by a branch of DCBS (Department for Community Based Services) with whom I have had little contact. However, I will do all I can to help get the process moving along. If things go true to form, you can expect a number of delays and surprises. When you are dealing with a woman who has the problems Carmen is exhibiting, you might expect anything. The other piece of the process that you need to get moving as quickly as possible is the psychological evaluations on Carmen and Stewart.

The results of the home investigation will, quite frankly, depend on the caseworker who does the investigation. You sexual orientation may or may not become an open issue. It could also become an issue but get couched in lots of other ways. When the investigation occures be just as honest as possible. One thing that would be helpful is for the worker to see you and the baby interact. I am not sure how to arrange that. If that can happen, all you have to do is simply be yourself and interact with her from your heart and head.

As soon as I get home I will begin to search out ways that might get things on a faster track.
But, I am afraid you are about to find out just how cumbersome and ineffective a large organization can be.

I know you are going to be thinking of the baby all of the time, but try to focus some on finishing up the semester. You are going to have to really take good care of yourself right now.
I am going to go ahead and say this (not sure how appropriate it might be): This is a time you and Kent can become much closer or it is a time when the relationship can become challenged. So, becasue I know you want the former, please pay attention to each other and keep a good flow of communication during this period. Both of you are wonderful men but you are also quite different in temperment and experience.

Talk to you Monday. Much love Drew