We'll call it 11:36 a.m. officially. That was about the time yesterday's adoption hearing ended, and about the time Kaedyn became a Campbell and is from this day forward, legally considered my son. While the relationship between he and I has not, nor will not change, it is incredibly satisfying to now have all of the legal rights as a father. I no longer have to concern myself with the legal ramifications of trying to protect Kaedyn from his biological father. No more worries of being in contempt by not allowing court-ordered visitations. No more worries about who has what rights, legally and/or morally. It's very refreshing, and a wonderful feeling, and thanks to all of you who offered words of support and encouragement.
As far as the hearing itself, it was much easier and much quicker than we had anticipated. Per our attorney, we expected a line of questioning from the judge pertaining to the parental responsibility Andy (Kaedyn's bio-father) had displayed in recent months. Instead, he simply asked Kaedyn a few "small-talk" questions as he signed the papers, and that was that. Our attorney said nary a word, besides to thank the judge when the hearing ended. It all happened so quick, we found ourselves a bit dazed. Oh, and in case you hadn't figured it out, Andy did not appear yesterday. Which begs the question of whether or not he even knew the hearing was taking place. Doesn't matter now, I guess.
I'm certainly not ignorant enough to think we'll never have to deal with him again, as I'm sure the time will come when Andy will call or stop by with a desire to see Kaedyn. And, I'm certain there will come a time in the future, near or distant, when Kaedyn will express a desire to see Andy. Therein lies the challenge; we will go forward from here, but very carefully so as to remain open, understanding, and sensitive to Kaedyn's feelings about and toward Andy.
But for now, Kaedyn is legally my son as of 11:36 a.m. yesterday, which means I need to give that guy at the tobacco shop a call - going to need a box of "It's a Boy!" cigars!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Court Hearing
This coming Tuesday has the potential to be quite the historical event in the life of the Campbell Clan. Our first court hearing, and the next step in the proceedings to adopt Kaedyn, is slated for Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. We hope it is the last hearing, as well.
To quickly update you, our attorney made a few attempts at contacting Kaedyn's biological father, Andy, to serve notice of the court hearing on Tuesday. He was unable to locate Andy after attempting several different possible addresses, so we moved to the next step of publishing a public notice. Still no response from Andy. This doesn't mean he did not see the notice, it just means he didn't respond. He still has the right to appear at Tuesday's hearing and contest the proceedings, and my guess is he will do just that if he is indeed aware the hearing is taking place.
We were visited by a guardian ad litem last Saturday, as per required procedure. The guardian's purpose was to visit with us and make sure we understand exactly what adopting Kaedyn means in terms of parental rights and responsibilities, and to make sure Kaedyn is completely comfortable and has a grasp of what we are doing, and why. The guardian seemed satisfied with his visit, and will recommend the adoption to the judge on Tuesday.
At this point, this whole thing can go one of two ways: first, and optimally, Andy does not show up at the hearing, we present our evidence for the adoption of Kaedyn, the judge approves, hearing over. Let the celebration begin! Or, second, Andy does show up, can't put his pride and therefore good judgement aside, argues against us and the adoption, the judge sets a trial date, and we prepare for a potentially long, drawn-out court battle against a person who, in my humble opinion, lost the right to be a father a very long time ago.
While scenario #2 above would be the more difficult path to have to follow, we are very confident in our evidence against Andy and have no reason to believe he would stand a chance to win. We are very quickly approaching a full year since he has had contact with Kaedyn. No phone calls, no letters, not even so much as an attempt at contact. Furthermore, we have received a whopping $60 in child support since last April. Laughable. The lack of contact and child support is the most compelling evidence against Andy, and would most-certainly bury him in the eyes of a judge, but we would still prefer not to even have to present that evidence in a court battle. My biggest reasoning for this is because I just don't want Kaedyn to have to be exposed to what will surely be an emotionally-charged proceeding. I have no doubts it could even get ugly at times, and my son has already been through enough. I pray, and I hope, it all ends Tuesday.
I will keep you posted, as always. I thank you for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement, and support. I ask you for more of the same as Tuesday approaches.
To quickly update you, our attorney made a few attempts at contacting Kaedyn's biological father, Andy, to serve notice of the court hearing on Tuesday. He was unable to locate Andy after attempting several different possible addresses, so we moved to the next step of publishing a public notice. Still no response from Andy. This doesn't mean he did not see the notice, it just means he didn't respond. He still has the right to appear at Tuesday's hearing and contest the proceedings, and my guess is he will do just that if he is indeed aware the hearing is taking place.
We were visited by a guardian ad litem last Saturday, as per required procedure. The guardian's purpose was to visit with us and make sure we understand exactly what adopting Kaedyn means in terms of parental rights and responsibilities, and to make sure Kaedyn is completely comfortable and has a grasp of what we are doing, and why. The guardian seemed satisfied with his visit, and will recommend the adoption to the judge on Tuesday.
At this point, this whole thing can go one of two ways: first, and optimally, Andy does not show up at the hearing, we present our evidence for the adoption of Kaedyn, the judge approves, hearing over. Let the celebration begin! Or, second, Andy does show up, can't put his pride and therefore good judgement aside, argues against us and the adoption, the judge sets a trial date, and we prepare for a potentially long, drawn-out court battle against a person who, in my humble opinion, lost the right to be a father a very long time ago.
While scenario #2 above would be the more difficult path to have to follow, we are very confident in our evidence against Andy and have no reason to believe he would stand a chance to win. We are very quickly approaching a full year since he has had contact with Kaedyn. No phone calls, no letters, not even so much as an attempt at contact. Furthermore, we have received a whopping $60 in child support since last April. Laughable. The lack of contact and child support is the most compelling evidence against Andy, and would most-certainly bury him in the eyes of a judge, but we would still prefer not to even have to present that evidence in a court battle. My biggest reasoning for this is because I just don't want Kaedyn to have to be exposed to what will surely be an emotionally-charged proceeding. I have no doubts it could even get ugly at times, and my son has already been through enough. I pray, and I hope, it all ends Tuesday.
I will keep you posted, as always. I thank you for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement, and support. I ask you for more of the same as Tuesday approaches.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Reflections of a Thirty-Six-Year-Old
Today marks the 36th anniversary of my birthday, and I put it that way for a number of reasons. I admit the underlying reason is most-likely due to my attendance at a workshop a few days ago, where I was introduced to some ideas on conflict resolution. The instructor was in the midst of a discussion on verbal cues and voice inflections, and how we often hear something different than what the person speaking to us actually intended on saying. To make his argument, he asked us five separate questions and we were to write our answers on paper. One of the questions was, "How many birthdays does the average human being have?" We tend to focus on the word 'average' in the above sentence, and then proceed to write our best, scientific and/or biological guess pertaining the average human lifespan. The answer? One. Humans only have one actual birthday, then we often celebrate the annual anniversary of that birthday. Hard to argue with such logic.
As this day approached over the course of the last few weeks, my wife and family asked me several times how I wanted to celebrate. My immediate reaction was to tell them I wasn't interested in celebrating, per se. I didn't really need any reminders that I am another year older, and I certainly didn't need and/or want to celebrate that fact with a lot of attention and unnecessary hoopla. As I arose this morning for my usual run, however, a thought occurred to me. Maybe I should celebrate. Maybe I should thank God for blessing me with another year of existence. Maybe I should greet this day with a celebratory attitude, and reflect a bit on this thirty-six-year-old life. After all, it's been quite the ride thus far, and while we are never guaranteed anything, all of the forthcoming events in my future and that of my family makes things look quite peachy.
So, as the dogs and I approached the end of the driveway to begin our morning trot, I lifted my face to the sky and silently prayed something of the following:
'Thank you, God, for this day. Thank you for the blessing of my thirty-six years. Thank you for providing me with a life-partner who keeps me grounded and completes me. Thank you for my kids who keep me young, make me laugh, and help me see the immense beauty in the tiny things. Thank you for my amazing family, both immediate and extended. Thank you for the blessing of friends with whom to share life-experiences. Thank you for the sunrise this morning, and the serenade of the birds. Thank you for the basics: a home, nourishment, and health. Thank you for the prospects of a bright future. Yes, Lord, thank you for this day and a thirty-sixth anniversary celebration of my birthday. Amen.'
Finally, another realization hit me square in the face early on this morning. It dawned on me just how much I enjoy recognizing and celebrating others' birthday anniversaries. Maybe I ought to think about that whilst my family and friends desire to recognize me on this day. Maybe I ought to quit being such a grump about it, and live in the moment. Thus, my resolve for today is to welcome the good wishes of others, and appreciate this thirty-six-year-anniversary-of-my-birthday.......aw, screw it - it's a birthday, for Pete's sake!
As this day approached over the course of the last few weeks, my wife and family asked me several times how I wanted to celebrate. My immediate reaction was to tell them I wasn't interested in celebrating, per se. I didn't really need any reminders that I am another year older, and I certainly didn't need and/or want to celebrate that fact with a lot of attention and unnecessary hoopla. As I arose this morning for my usual run, however, a thought occurred to me. Maybe I should celebrate. Maybe I should thank God for blessing me with another year of existence. Maybe I should greet this day with a celebratory attitude, and reflect a bit on this thirty-six-year-old life. After all, it's been quite the ride thus far, and while we are never guaranteed anything, all of the forthcoming events in my future and that of my family makes things look quite peachy.
So, as the dogs and I approached the end of the driveway to begin our morning trot, I lifted my face to the sky and silently prayed something of the following:
'Thank you, God, for this day. Thank you for the blessing of my thirty-six years. Thank you for providing me with a life-partner who keeps me grounded and completes me. Thank you for my kids who keep me young, make me laugh, and help me see the immense beauty in the tiny things. Thank you for my amazing family, both immediate and extended. Thank you for the blessing of friends with whom to share life-experiences. Thank you for the sunrise this morning, and the serenade of the birds. Thank you for the basics: a home, nourishment, and health. Thank you for the prospects of a bright future. Yes, Lord, thank you for this day and a thirty-sixth anniversary celebration of my birthday. Amen.'
Finally, another realization hit me square in the face early on this morning. It dawned on me just how much I enjoy recognizing and celebrating others' birthday anniversaries. Maybe I ought to think about that whilst my family and friends desire to recognize me on this day. Maybe I ought to quit being such a grump about it, and live in the moment. Thus, my resolve for today is to welcome the good wishes of others, and appreciate this thirty-six-year-anniversary-of-my-birthday.......aw, screw it - it's a birthday, for Pete's sake!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Gang Green - 2008 Polar Bear Plung
I know I've spent quite a bit of space talking about our plunge, so I promise this will be the last of it. If you can't tell, I'm proud to serve Special Olympics, and I'm proud of our team!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Polar Plunge Pics!
As promised, here are several pictures from the Polar Plunge which took place this last Saturday. You can read all about the plunge in my last post, so I won't bore you with any further details. Happy viewing!!
Our theme this year was "Gang Green," thus, the green outfits. I'm the second one from the right, wearing the very stylish and sassy green mullet.
This is Ash, our Rescue 9-1-1 Dog. Ash was the only smart one of our group - she chose to avoid the water as long as she could while the rest of us plunged. She did eventually join us, though. Probably because she felt sorry for us.
On the approach....
Making entry.....
We've plunged!
It is at this point that one realizes just how much human beings were not meant to resemble anything remotely close to polar bears. Folks, it's cold!!
Ahhhhh....warm sunshine.....ahhhhhh.
Thanks for taking a look - check out my next post for a video of our plunge!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Polar Plunge Recap
If you thought I fell off the face of the earth, vanished into thin air, or just plain ceased to exist, I am back to tell you not to fear. I am still around, I am still breathing, I am still alive and kicking. The past two weeks in the lives of the Campbell Clan has been pretty crazy, but we are finally getting a chance to breathe again. As I have done many times in the past, I thank you for your patience!
If you've been checking in now and again, you are aware this past Saturday was the annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Nebraska. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am incredibly proud to announce it was a huge success!! We began plunging at 10:30 on Saturday morning, and while the temperature climbed to nearly forty degrees for the first time in several weeks, the water at Holmes Lake was nothing short of bitterly cold. In order to make a place for us to jump, the Lincoln Fire Department began chopping at the ice on Thursday night, using chainsaws and axes in an attempt to tackle the job. After ruining several pieces of equipment, they ended up bringing in a backhoe to get through the fourteen inches of ice on the lake. Yes, you read right - fourteen inches of ice. Paramedics from the dive team stood by as the event unfolded, and fortunately, not a soul was harmed. Here are some statistics from this fantastic event:
Number of plungers: 176 (tripled from last year)
Amount of money raised: $40,000 ($27,000 last year)
Water temperature at time of plunge: Didn't ask, don't want to know
Inches of ice on the lake: 14
Oldest plunger: 61 years young
Youngest plunger: 9 years old
Again, a wonderful experience and a wonderful event. One of my fellow plungers is working on putting together a cd of pictures taken that morning. When I have the cd in my hot little hands, I will be sure and post them for all to see. Thanks to all who donated, encouraged, and who were there in person to witness my plunge! See ya next year!!
If you've been checking in now and again, you are aware this past Saturday was the annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Nebraska. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am incredibly proud to announce it was a huge success!! We began plunging at 10:30 on Saturday morning, and while the temperature climbed to nearly forty degrees for the first time in several weeks, the water at Holmes Lake was nothing short of bitterly cold. In order to make a place for us to jump, the Lincoln Fire Department began chopping at the ice on Thursday night, using chainsaws and axes in an attempt to tackle the job. After ruining several pieces of equipment, they ended up bringing in a backhoe to get through the fourteen inches of ice on the lake. Yes, you read right - fourteen inches of ice. Paramedics from the dive team stood by as the event unfolded, and fortunately, not a soul was harmed. Here are some statistics from this fantastic event:
Number of plungers: 176 (tripled from last year)
Amount of money raised: $40,000 ($27,000 last year)
Water temperature at time of plunge: Didn't ask, don't want to know
Inches of ice on the lake: 14
Oldest plunger: 61 years young
Youngest plunger: 9 years old
Again, a wonderful experience and a wonderful event. One of my fellow plungers is working on putting together a cd of pictures taken that morning. When I have the cd in my hot little hands, I will be sure and post them for all to see. Thanks to all who donated, encouraged, and who were there in person to witness my plunge! See ya next year!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Immigration Gumballs
This video by Roy Beck has been emailed to me a couple of times. Admittedly, I made an assumption before watching that what I was going to see was another conservative-minded opinion on why the United States needs to rid the land of immigrants, beef up the border patrols, etc. After watching, however, I found myself really thinking about what Mr. Beck presented and how he presented it. I've not done much research on the effects of immigration, positive or negative, so I cannot give a very educated response to what Mr. Beck has said in this clip. Nevetheless, it got my wheels spinning. Have a look, and let me know your thoughts.
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