Replies to '08/18 'Fighting for My Children''

I logged on here because I just finished watching this Tivo-d episode, and was curious to see what others thought. Perhaps I'm naive, but I was so shocked to see so many people focusing on the fact that Michael was born female.   

Those kids have been his for 16 years. He adopted them, so obviously Linda has considered him their father. More importantly, THEY consider him their father. Regardless of whether or not you approve of his lifestyle, he is the father they know and love, and to have him denounced as their father after so many years would be cruel.  

If they are 16 and 13, as someone on the forums stated, I believe they do have a right to be heard in court. They are more than old enough to have an opinion about what is to happen to them.  

Given the limited view of the situation we have been given, it appears to me that they are living with the better caregiver. Their mother seems entirely to bent on proving that her ex-husband is a sinner, and not too inclined to do what is best for her children. The slander she focuses towards Michael must be so hurtful for her children to hear.   

Michael, on the other hand, seems to be a good parent. He and his new wife seem to have a very healthy relationship with the children. The children themselves seemed so much more relaxed and happy when they were with Michael. While he has been heard slandering Linda as well, it seemed much more mild (while still wrong!). I appreciated the fact that he seemed abashed at some of the things he had said, while Linda just denied it all.  

The children are not going to be winners at all here. If Michael retains custody, Linda will be vindictive, and the children will not only have to put up with their mother's over-the-top religious views, they will also suffer her spite at being the 'loser.' If Linda regains custody, the children will lose the father they seem to love greatly.  

On a side note, it must be hard for the children to live with Linda with her new-found religion. They were not raised that way. To have a mother you know and love suddenly become an entirely different person must be very difficult.  I can't imagine she was always righteous, or she would not have married Michael.  

Anyway, best of luck to all involved. I hope you all, especially the children, have happy lives.  

-Michelle  

I logged on here because I just finished watching this Tivo-d episode, and was curious to see what others thought. Perhaps I'm naive, but I was so shocked to see so many people focusing on the fact that Michael was born female.   

Those kids have been his for 16 years. He adopted them, so obviously Linda has considered him their father. More importantly, THEY consider him their father. Regardless of whether or not you approve of his lifestyle, he is the father they know and love, and to have him denounced as their father after so many years would be cruel.  

If they are 16 and 13, as someone on the forums stated, I believe they do have a right to be heard in court. They are more than old enough to have an opinion about what is to happen to them.  

Given the limited view of the situation we have been given, it appears to me that they are living with the better caregiver. Their mother seems entirely to bent on proving that her ex-husband is a sinner, and not too inclined to do what is best for her children. The slander she focuses towards Michael must be so hurtful for her children to hear.   

Michael, on the other hand, seems to be a good parent. He and his new wife seem to have a very healthy relationship with the children. The children themselves seemed so much more relaxed and happy when they were with Michael. While he has been heard slandering Linda as well, it seemed much more mild (while still wrong!). I appreciated the fact that he seemed abashed at some of the things he had said, while Linda just denied it all.  

The children are not going to be winners at all here. If Michael retains custody, Linda will be vindictive, and the children will not only have to put up with their mother's over-the-top religious views, they will also suffer her spite at being the 'loser.' If Linda regains custody, the children will lose the father they seem to love greatly.  

On a side note, it must be hard for the children to live with Linda with her new-found religion. They were not raised that way. To have a mother you know and love suddenly become an entirely different person must be very difficult.  I can't imagine she was always righteous, or she would not have married Michael.  

Anyway, best of luck to all involved. I hope you all, especially the children, have happy lives.  

-Michelle