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. 

A FAMILY WAITS FOR THE WORD / Part 394 / For Love and For Justice / Zabeth and Paul Bayne

If Judge Crabtree, Bruce McNeill, Finn Jensen or anyone else needs some validation that the best interests of the three Bayne children will be best served by a permanent and unqualified return to their biological parental home where the fitness of the Bayne parents and grandparents to care for the children is unquestioned, then these photos should be seen. Judge Crabtree ordered a six hour family visit each Saturday in the home of the Baynes and these children provide evidence that this is where they belong and where they desire to live. Again, must I qualify this by clarifying that the previous comment is no reflection upon the present foster family. This is not a contest or comparison. I speak to what is just and right and timely. This is a biological family. It's been three years. These children need their parents. Paul and Zabeth prepared their home for the return of the children. Or perhaps better stated, their home has always retained a readiness for the return of the children.

Daddy and Bethany and fluffy toys

Baden and stuffy toys on his bed

Boys bedroom

Their daughter has a bedroom of her own and it is suitably girly and made for a princess. She loves her bed and she lays her soft toys in order and they wait for her return the following week. Her habitation there should not be a weekly visit but 24/7. The boys as well have a bedroom and at their request, Paul and Zabeth kept the beds that the boys remember because that is what the boys requested. When these children return home permanently the family will shop for 'big boy' beds. 

Kent and a tie like Bumpa's

It doesn't have to be much to make a child happy. Kent is wearing a cowboy tie like his Bumpa wears so he is content.

Mommy and Bethany at the piano

Music is a large slice of life for Zabeth, although it has been on hold during her ordeal. Perhaps when the children are returned her interest will revive and perhaps one or more of her children may want to learn to play.

Bumpa and Baden at quiet play

Grandpa and Grandma are able to visit their grandchildren on these days. It must mean so much. Grandparents suffer as well when their children and their grandchildren are separated and a family world is in disarray. How agonizing it must be for them to think that Judge Crabtree must decide whether or not the Ministry should keep the children. That ruling may be 5-7 weeks away.

Children's Playroom

A children's room is filled with appealing opportunities for hours of play.

Mommy and Bethany

Mommy loves her little girl and Bethany has done so well. There are so many reasons for thanksgiving. Now we are trusting that the wait will not be long until the Judge permits this family to be reunited and they can be together in their own home without a supervisor or a caseworker second guessing all their actions.  

These photos were taken from a Facebook entry and Facebook friends may see all the photos here.