I left the courts that day with the Kleins and Turners. The Turners were given a temporary guardianship of me. To clarify, because it seems like some people in comments might be thinking otherwise, I was not technically or legally emancipated, nor was I made a true ward of the court. The decision for me to go to the Turners was a compromise.
The terms were pretty simple. I would live with the Turners, but my parnets would have the ability to contact me 24/7 and make any major medical or educational decisions. In some ways, my parents didn't do themselves any favors by homeschooling me because homeschooling allowed me to "graduate" young. Had they waited to have me graduate, it's possible that I would've had to attend "class" with my mom for part of the day. As it was, I only spoke with them on the phone or had the occasional meal with a family member, with the Turners or Kleins present at all times. After a few weeks, my parents stopped calling. The communication stopped and I heard that they had started telling people that I left their umbrella of protection for the world.
More later.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteDon't think you don't have more to tell, Ruth. You do. Your story didn't end in that court room at all.
Keep telling it. You have no idea how important this is, little sister.
"Umbrella of protection" my fat fanny! They couldn't have been more wrong. Ruth, I personally would love to hear from Courtroom to College. How things changed when you turned 18, etc. Stay strong, you have loyal and avid listeners
ReplyDeleteFirst time I read that, I thought it said "emotional" decisions instead of "educational." I finished laughing, then re-read it correctly.
ReplyDeleteNice "umbrella". I'm picturing someone in the middle of a big windy thunderstorm holding a broken, inside-out version.
I concur with EDavis - I suspect that the transition was at least as much of a struggle as leaving your parents home was. It may not have as clear a conclusion as the story you've told so far, but that's precisely why I think you ought to document it.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that when your parents lost control, they lost interest in being with you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others that you have a very interesting story to tell. I'd like to hear all of it, because I'm curious as to how you ever got to college. It's a very inspirational story.
I hope your leg is okay and that you are healing.
Cynthia
Can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteHope you're healing well.
You might think these details are ho-hum but they make you who you have become...and we want to hear more!Please?
ReplyDeleteHow did you decide what YOU wanted to do? What lead you to decide to go to college? What was your first job like?
ReplyDeleteIt was the Klein's house that you ran to when you ran away, right? Who are the Turners? I either missed that or forgot it. I must have forgotten it, because I read all your posts.
ReplyDeleteI also find your story fascinating, and I hope you're healing well.
I think the adjustments you are making to "real" life is fascinating, but you may be too close to it right now to want to blog about it. That's fine. I care about you and wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story. I work with teenage girls trying to transition to true adulthood and they need to see women who may struggle sometimes, but are succeeding. Thank you!!!!
ReplyDelete"How old are you and how long have you been living away from your family?
ReplyDeleteI'm 26. I've been away from my family for about 8 years or so."
How is it that your parents are still able to harass you in this way through the courts? Am I misunderstanding this? Was this post about something that happened when you first left home? I can't imagine what judge would think that a woman over the age of 26 would need a "temporary guardian" for any reason.
Ruth,
ReplyDeleteNevermind, I figured it out. I had not read you entire blog when I wrote the above comment. Hugs to you. You are very strong.