Hello from NYC

(Added 06/03/2011)

My family and I took a trip to New York City to see our nephew graduate from Columbia Grammer & Prepatory School - one of the finest private schools in the nation.  It was established in 1764 by Samuel Johnson who was the dean of Columbia University.  Mr. Johnson noticed that college students were not prepared enough for the riggers of university-level studies and so he formed the secondary school to help educate college-bound students.  Why am I talking about this on a family law website?  Well, it was a speech given by one of the four students who were awarded scholarships for academic and leadership excellence.  She stated many things you would expect in a graduation speech but when she thanked her family, she also included her step-parents.  I was really happy to hear the speaker give accolades to her "adopted" parents.  She really didn't have a choice as to who would be her step parents but it was obvious they made a positive impact.  The reason why the step-parents received the deserving praise most likely lays squarely on the shoulders of two, divorced parents who gave it their all to put their child first before anything else.  This means they tried very hard to get along and cooperate in child-rearing...and they were obviously successful.  As I sat in amazement at the praise being bestowed upon non-bio parents and most likely the hidden fact that one or both individuals may have been involved with her parents prior to divorce, I could not help but think about many cases where the opposite rings true; never a moment of peace; never a moment of cooperation; never a moment of exercising child-centered decisions.  I thought how wonderful that two parents who are good people passing through such a bad time could come back together to give their child the most in her life even though they did not dwell as a single, family unit after divorce.  It made me realize how much more success attorneys and their clients would have if the main goal was not pain but making sure the children receive the best from both parents with a kind eye towards mutual respect and cooperation.  It was one of many great moments during our trip to New York City.