Tales from Palm Beach: Divorce Mediation

Now that I'm preparing to leave my little Palm Beach Church, I think it necessary to include the things that I will not miss when I'm gone. I will certainly not miss mediating divorces. For some reason, some parents are led to think that I, as a youth director, should be a part of their divorce just because they have a Church-group child. In the past, I have been blind-copied (that's the "bcc" line in your emails for those not tech savvy)numerous scream letters between parents where both are accusing each other of not looking out for the child's best interests, etc.

At one point, I was even sent the legal terms of the custody agreement. I suppose it was sent just in case I needed some light-reading for the evening, or perhaps just want to go ahead and contact the judge on his behalf so I could rant about the mother. I really don't know what he was hoping to happen.

But one family in particular has crossed the hallowed line of "appropriateness" far to often. After repeatedly asking the parents to please leave me out of their divorce, I got yet another email yesterday. Since I have been quite clear that I have not interest in mediating their divorce, I can only assume he would like me to include it on my blog! While not deserved on their part, I've changed their names. Here it is:

Jen:
you did not send me an email on Wm.'s trip to Atlanta as you claim... these are permanent records and you should be able to produce same in court.
I was waiting, just now, for him at school as scheduled every Wednesday during the school year. This is not the first time you have pulled this childish stunt. Your voice mail was at 10:06 PM last night and not received by me until now; Your claim that it is not your responsibility to ensure that I know in time and that you did your part is a hollow, mean spirited claim and is aimed at harassing your son's father and ex-spouse rather than being pro-active. You are out of control. IT IS THE CHILD WHO ULTIMATELY SUFFERS WHEN PARENTS DO NOT ACT RESPONSIBLY. He will soon be of age and time is short. Your manipulations are obvious to everyone.You know full well that on those occasions when you need something you always reach me at work or home. Common courtesy and common sense at some point must prevail. Your thin disguise is not acceptable and will only make a bad situation worse. poor William.
Ted