LET THE FAMILY FINISH WRITING THEIR STORY / 553

As I begin today I want to dispense immediately with what will be the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s default response to what I have to say. That response will be, “The Baynes brought this upon themselves.” Readers, that is categorically untrue. Having made that clear I will get on with it.

random multi-generational no-name family photo

I am a grandparent and our home is just convenient minutes away from both sets of grandchildren. The grandchildren often spend time at our home. They eat meals here. They have learned to strike plastic golf balls. They play soccer and bacci ball. We go for walks to the playground. We stop at the corner store for slushies. They try on clothes that Grandma makes for them. They permit arms around their shoulders, and they listen to soft instruction. Life lessons subtley slipped in while watching TV or sitting together are common.

When I think of the Bayne children’s grandparents I am struck again with the privilege that is mine to enjoy my grandchildren whenever they want to come over or whenever I want to ask them.

THERE WAS A CHRISTMAS AT THE BAYNES / Part 406 / For Love and For Justice / Zabeth and Paul Bayne

There was a Christmas celebration at the Bayne family home. Weeks ago when court case was concluding, the Baynes asked for a variance on the visitation order. They were asking for an unsupervised couple of visitation days with an overnight at Christmas at their home. Judge Crabtree instructed MCFD and the Baynes to see if they could work out a plan together and if the couldn't then the Baynes could come back to the Judge for a ruling. Predictably, the Director would not approve unsupervised time. Last week on the 22nd of December Judge Crabtree heard MCFD legal counsel and Zabeth and Paul Bayne. He did not grant the unsupervised visit.

Nevertheless, the Baynes have been very grateful for the precious time and type of visitation they have had this year. The Baynes made the best of their Christmas visits with their three children. On Friday, Christmas Eve they were able to enjoy their children for three hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and the children's Bumpa and Gammy (Grandpa and Grandma) were present as well. Among their activities the children decorated Christmas cookies. The time was brief but treasured.

On Christmas Day, Saturday December 25th, the Baynes had six hours together from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Bumpa and Gammy attended once again with a family dinner and sounds of children at play and gift exchanges. Even the supervisor who was contracted for this special day came with gifts with the children. The Bayne family gave this supervisor gifts as well. They were all making this situation as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The grandparents enjoyed this time with their grandchildren immensely because they are generally not allowed to be with the children in the family home. Paul read a Christmas story. The family played together and told one another how much they loved one another.

This was by far a better Christmas celebration than the previous three Christmases. It was difficult to say goodbye. Then the children were off to join their foster family for seasonal visits to other foster family members.

They were together yesterday as well, New Year's Eve Day and enjoyed an outstanding time. You can see some of the celebratory photos on a Facebook page.